Ports Shipping and Logistics (Commonwealth Union) – The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) revealed a few weeks back that nearly 10,000 employees at CN and CPKC have decided to reauthorize strikes at both firms if mutually agreed-upon settlements cannot be attained.
In general, workers opted to reauthorize a strike with a staggering 98.6% approval rate, accompanied by an impressive 89.5% voter turnout.
At CN, conductors, locomotive engineers, and yard workers demonstrated overwhelming support for reauthorization, with 98.4% voting in favor and a 90.1% turnout.
Meanwhile, at CPKC, conductors, locomotive engineers, and yard workers backed reauthorization with 99.2% approval, and an 88.6% turnout. Additionally, rail traffic controllers at CPKC also showed considerable support, voting 95.7% in favor of reauthorization, with an 88.5% turnout.
“CN and CPKC are trying to force changes to our collective agreements that would move the clock back on working conditions and rail safety. The Teamsters are trying to stop them. With this renewed strike mandate, we intend to go back to the bargaining table, work with federal mediators, and do everything in our power to reach a fair deal for our members and protect all Canadians,” explained Paul Boucher the President of TCRC.
The TCRC stated that federally regulated industries have a 60-day window for strike authorization votes. CN and CPKC workers initially voted for authorization on May 1, which would have allowed a legal strike on May 22.
However, the government intervened on May 19, suspending workers’ right to strike temporarily. This suspension aimed to let the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) assess which shipments must continue if a work stoppage occurs. Due to the CIRB delay, the union had to request members to reauthorize strike action.
The TCRC stated that in these negotiations, workers are on the defensive against both companies, which demand numerous concessions regarding crew scheduling, work hours, and fatigue management. The main obstacles stem from company demands rather than union proposals.
Amid labor shortages, CN and CPKC are attempting to extract more availability from train crews. CPKC aims to dismantle the collective agreement by eliminating all safety-critical fatigue provisions. Consequently, train crews would be compelled to remain awake for extended periods, increasing the risk of derailments and accidents. Additionally, CPKC has failed to address the understaffing of rail traffic controllers.
On the other hand, CN targets fewer articles related to fatigue, but their proposal is contingent on accepting a forced relocation scheme. This scheme would require workers to move across the country for months to address labor shortages in remote Canadian areas. CN’s offer also requires the union to agree to extend workdays in all provinces west of Ontario.
The TCRC indicated that compromising on safety or threatening to separate families for months is not the solution to staffing issues. CN and CPKC should focus on enhancing working conditions and adopting a more compassionate approach to railroading.
With many workers refusing to work, the railroad companies will be unable to transport goods and passengers across the vast distances of the Canadian landscape. This disruption will have a ripple effect on the entire economy, as businesses and consumers alike struggled to cope with the sudden shortage of goods and services.
The Canadian government will need to address the potential public impact of a strike, particularly in sectors like Canada’s railways, as these events can lead to significant supply chain disruptions. The railway system is a critical part of the country’s infrastructure, facilitating the efficient and timely movement of freight across vast distances. Any disruption in this system, such as a strike, can ripple through the economy, affecting businesses and consumers alike. The Canadian government, therefore, have to work closely with railway companies and labor unions to ensure the smooth operation of this vital service, aiming to prevent or mitigate any potential disruptions that could result from a strike.
