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Unifor and Public Rail Now commit to advancing public, reliable, and worker-centred rail systems across North America
Unifor’s National Rail Council and Public Rail Now (PRN) are pleased to announce the beginning of a collaborative effort to strengthen and expand public rail systems in Canada and the United States.
“This partnership strengthens our solidarity across borders and brings two important campaigns together with a shared goal of putting rail back into public hands,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “By working alongside Public Rail Now, we are expanding the push for safe, reliable, publicly accountable rail systems that serve workers and communities, not private profits.”
This partnership reflects our shared commitment to rail infrastructure that prioritizes the public interest, strengthens communities, and ensures good, union jobs across the sector. It also reinforces Unifor’s long-term goal of building a safe, reliable, publicly accountable rail system for all.
The collaboration was endorsed by Unifor’s National Rail Council during the Unifor 2025 Constitutional Convention, recognizing the strong alignment between Unifor’s Get Canada Back on Track campaign and PRN’s advocacy for a fully public and accountable rail system in the U.S. Both organizations have raised concerns about the significant consequences of rail privatization, including reduced service reliability, weakened safety oversight, loss of trackage, and the erosion of in-house maintenance capacity.
“Privatization has eroded service, safety, and good jobs,” said Chris Garrod, Chairperson of Unifor’s National Rail Council. “It’s time we reclaim rail for the people and ensure it serves communities, not corporate shareholders.”
Across North America, rail privatization has resulted in a system shaped by corporate consolidation and shareholder-driven decision-making. Communities have lost access to critical transportation options, workers have experienced cuts to staffing and training, and passengers continue to face declining service and reliability. At the same time, major corporate shareholders and multinational investors have benefited from years of profits, dividends, and buybacks.
Public Rail Now National Organizer Adam Barrington emphasized that the long-term impacts of private rail ownership are being felt across the entire rail ecosystem, from freight operations to passenger rail corridors.
Yet, both organizations point to clear evidence demonstrating the positive outcomes of public investment and public oversight. In the United States, sustained federal investment has enabled Amtrak to achieve record ridership and plan further service improvements. In Canada, the revitalization of Ontario Northland’s Northlander passenger service underscores the importance of public infrastructure supported by strong in-house expertise and union jobs at Ontario Northland’s Remanufacturing and Repair Centre in North Bay.
Through this partnership, Unifor and PRN are calling for a renewed public conversation about the future of rail in both countries, including meaningful review of industry self-regulation and consideration of public ownership where necessary. Both organizations believe a strong public rail system is essential for connecting communities, supporting good jobs, improving safety, and meeting climate and economic goals.
This joint effort marks the beginning of a collaborative approach to public advocacy, knowledge-sharing, and strategic engagement. Unifor and PRN look forward to working together to advance rail systems that place people before profit and rebuild rail as a truly national asset in both countries.
