(Laval) Union members of the Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific (CPKC) railways have voted in favor of renewing strike mandates in the two companies if negotiated agreements are not found, thus increasing the threat supply chain disruptions across Canada.
Published at 3:49 p.m.
Updated 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 holding a second strike vote.
CN spokesperson 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 indicated that the railway was awaiting a decision from the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) regarding the federal labor 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 before mid-July or later, and that 72 hours’ notice of a strike or lockout must be provided.
The company also said it had asked the CCRI 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 possible work stoppage and allow all stakeholders to prepare for such an eventuality,” reads the company’s press release.
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 crew 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.
