CN Rail is expecting no impact on its operations in the event of a strike by approximately 750 communications and signals workers beginning Tuesday.
Members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) have issued a 72-hour strike notice, with just after midnight Jan. 28 ET the earliest a work stoppage could occur. CN said it will continue negotiating with the IBEW in hopes of resolving the outstanding issues at the bargaining table, but added trains will continue to run in the event of any labour disruption.
“There will be no impact on our operations as a result of a work stoppage,” the railway said in a statement. “CN’s contingency plans are in place, operations will continue, and our dedicated teams are prepared to ensure the seamless continuity of service.”
Meanwhile, a tentative agreement has been reached between Canada’s other major railway, CPKC, and about 1,200 members of Unifor Local 101R to avert a separate labour disruption that was set to begin on Jan. 29. The deal was announced by the union on Monday, stating the agreement addresses key priorities identified by workers, including work ownership, improvements to working conditions, and repairing “strained labour relations.”
The Unifor members work in mechanical shops, inspecting and maintaining CPKC’s fleet of locomotives and freight cars, and ensuring the railway’s equipment is safe and operational.
Ratification votes will be scheduled for the upcoming week, and all Unifor members are being encouraged to attend and participate in the decision-making process.
