This communication is to address the statement CN made after we broke off talks. We’ve also prepared a flyer to set the record straight.
Frankly speaking, CN’s communication is an attempt to prevent our bargaining units from gaining a strong strike mandate, and divide members. The Employer understands with a strong strike mandate the Union is in a better position when we return to the bargaining table in March.
MONTREAL—After the federal government’s Request for Qualifications for the proposed High Frequency Rail (HFR) line, Unifor is calling on the transportation minister to provide clarity about the long-term plan for VIA Rail.
MONTREAL - Unifor announced today that the union has broken off talks with Canadian National Rail (CN) and will be commencing strike votes early next week.
“In this climate of massive profits CN is proposing a multitude of concessions demonstrating just how out of touch they are,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “Our hard-working rail workers have made CN the profitable company that it is today and will not accept an agreement that attacks our union and devalues them and their work.”
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules and attending the ratification and strike vote meetings. We are please to report that the Local 101R membership has ratified the tentative agreement reached on January 13, 2023.
There is no other way to put it – this was a very difficult round of bargaining. Your bargaining committee was facing an employer who purposed concessions right off the bat. We knew we had our work cut out for us.
MONTREAL - Unifor members at Canadian Pacific (CP) Rail have ratified a new two-year contract.
“Rail workers, just like workers in many sectors across Canada, are bargaining in particularly challenging conditions right now,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “The members of the 101-R bargaining committee remained focused and committed to achieving a fair agreement for their membership. I applaud them for their work and look forward to their continued efforts to improve working conditions for their members in the future.”
Unifor Local 21-A bargaining committee and Procor Ltd. have reached a tentative collective agreement.
“This was a difficult round of negotiations, but our bargaining committee stood together for our rail sector members,” said Michelle Barsness, Unit Chair and Treasurer of Local 21-A. “This agreement would not have been reached without the skills and solidarity of the bargaining committee.”
Unifor Council 4000 and Local 100 continued contract negotiations with CN the week of January 16-20 in Montreal. This was the first sessions with the assistance of Federal Conciliators.
Unifor filed a Notice of Dispute with Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) on December 16, 2022. The Conciliators were appointed on December 30, meaning the bargaining schedule and conciliation process has changed slightly from what we initially advised in the last RailLine update.
VANCOUVER- Unifor Local 101R has reached a tentative agreement with Canadian Pacific Railway (CP), covering 1,200 workers at 18 locations from British Columbia to Quebec.
“These are hard working members who provide a vital service and I know the Bargaining Committee was determined to make progress during these difficult times,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “I thank the Committee for their outstanding work.”
A tentative agreement has been reached between Unifor Local 101R and Canadian Pacific Railway.
Details of the tentative agreement will be provided at ratification meetings, which will be held at multiple locations across the country in the coming days. Information on a ratification tour will be communicated as soon as dates and locations are finalized.
Accessibility
Documents can be requested in alternative/accessible formats by emailing communications@unifor.org
