MONTREAL — Members of Canadian labor union Unifor have voted to authorize a strike against Canadian National Railway if a new contract agreement is not reached by Jan. 1, 2025.
Unifor said in a press release that members of the two groups representing CN workers — Council 4000 and Local 100 — had voted 97% and 96% in favor of a strike. “Our members have had enough of concessions that erode their rights and livelihoods and they are standing strong to demand a contract that reflects their value and the critical role they play in CN’s success,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
The two groups represent about 5,400 workers in roles ranging from mechanics to customer service workers, according to Unifor. Earlier reports had put the number involved at about 3,600. The union and railroad were set to resume negotiations today (Nov. 25) through Dec. 8 in Montreal.
Unifor’s contracts with CN expire on Dec. 31. The union and CN began negotiations on Sept. 23; on Sept. 27, Unifor requested the government appoint conciliators, saying the railroad had demanded significant contract concessions and had issued a notice of intent to lay off at least 65 union members [see “Union requests conciliation …,” Trains News Wire, Sept. 28, 2024].
A CN spokeswoman told Reuters the railroad is “committed to reaching negotiated agrements with Unifor that are good for employees, customers, and the economy.”
