(Laval) Unionized workers at Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific (CPKC) railways have voted to renew strike mandates at both companies if negotiated agreements are not reached, increasing the threat of supply chain disruptions across Canada.
Updated yesterday at 10:18 p.m.
Teamsters Canada said in a statement Saturday that union members at both railways voted nearly 99 per cent in favour of a renewed strike mandate, with a turnout of 89.5 per cent.
The union says members had already voted in favor of the strike on 1is May, but that the 60-day deadline for voting had expired.
He said this meant he had to take the “unusual step” of calling a second strike vote.
CN spokesman Jonathan Abecassis said Saturday the company did not want a situation to arise that would hold “Canadian supply chains hostage.”
“Our position is that we want the union to come back to the table,” Abecassis said in an interview. “We’re asking the union to agree to binding arbitration. They’re not in favour of either side. They’re in favour of reaching an agreement.”
CPKC spokesman Terry Cunha said the company issued a statement Friday and would not comment further Saturday.
Friday’s update on the company’s website said the railway was awaiting a decision from the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) regarding the federal labour minister’s appeal on maintaining operations during a strike or lockout.
“We know that stakeholders in our supply chain want certainty about the expected timing of a CIRB decision and potential work stoppage. However, it remains unclear when the CIRB will issue a decision,” the statement said.
He said it was unlikely the company or union would be able to call a strike or lockout until mid-July or later, and that advance notice of a strike or lockout 72 hours must be provided.
The company also said it had asked the CIRB to extend the reflection period by 30 days after the date of its decision on maintenance activities.
“This would help provide stability and predictability regarding the timing of a potential work stoppage and allow all stakeholders to prepare for such an eventuality,” the company’s statement read.
Paul Boucher, president of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, says the union wants to return to the bargaining table with its renewed strike mandates and work with federal government mediators.
The union says rail companies are seeking concessions on shift schedules, working hours and fatigue management.
“CN and the CPKC are trying to impose changes to our collective agreements that would set back our working conditions, in addition to undermining rail safety in the country. The Teamsters are trying to stop them,” said Mr. Boucher, in a press release.
