Toronto, May 17, 2024
A potential rail strike will not happen this month as rail companies and workers await a decision from the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), based on the latest updates from both Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and Canadian National (CN). The CIRB, appointed by the federal government to assess whether the strike could pose health/safety implications, has requested submissions from CPKC, CN, the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), union, and other interested stakeholders by May 21st. All parties will then have until May 31st to file their replies to these submissions and subsequent to this, the CIRB will in turn have to render its final decision.
We are also tracking the latest updates regarding the ongoing negotiations between CN, CKPC, and the TCRC, as outlined below:
The following message was issued by the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA) on Friday, May 17, 2024:
CN Presents Simplified Offer to TCRC
In an attempt to avoid a work stoppage and end the unpredictability for Canada’s supply chains, CN has tabled a new offer to the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC). CN said the offer respects Duty and Rest Period Rules and is aligned with scientific fatigue management practices.
Read more in a press release from CN.
Update on CPKC-TCRC Collective Bargaining Negotiations
CPKC and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) leadership will resume meeting on May 17, with the assistance of federal mediators in an effort to achieve new collective agreements for train and engine (T&E) and rail traffic controller (RCTC) employees. On Wednesday, CPKC voluntarily offered to enter binding arbitration to avoid a work stoppage, however, the TCRC declined.
Read more in a press release from CPKC.
For more information, please call David Lychek, Director – Ocean & Air Services at (905) 882-4880, ext. 1207.
