By Matt Fetinko

CN Rail Strike Action

Strike notice served to CN Rail

Nov 16, 2019 | 11:23 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — According to the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, it has served notice of intent to strike to CN Rail. In September, workers voted 99.2% in favour of strike action.

Over 3,000 conductors, trainspersons, and yard workers will exercise legal strike action on Tuesday, November 19th barring a negotiated settlement. The announcement comes after a lack of progress at the bargaining table.

The union’s demands include ceasing dangerous practices which has “fallen on deaf ears”. It also lists longer work hours and difficulty to take time off as key issues. Wages are not listed as a major sticking point in negotiations.

“Fatigue has been recognized by the Transportation Safety Board as a major safety problem in this industry. Too many railroaders are operating trains when they should be resting,” explained the president of the TCRC, Lyndon Isaak, in a release. “For the safety of all Canadians, we cannot allow CN to make it even harder for our members to get the rest they need.”

Negotiations have been in the works for seven months with federal mediators being involved for the last five months. The previous agreement expired on July 23, 2019.

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