Canada’s Two Largest Railways Face Work Stoppage in Three Weeks

Employees at Canada’s two largest railway systems have authorized a strike that could potentially see thousands of workers walking off the job in three weeks if they are unable to reach a new deal on contract demands, The Canadian Press reported (5-1-24).

This week’s strike authorization vote, which saw more than 91% turnout, means conductors, engineers, yard workers, and dispatchers could hit the picket lines as soon as May 22nd, with a mandatory federal mediation period kicking off on Wednesday.

According to the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, about 6,000 employees at the Canadian National Railway Co. (CN) and 3,300 at the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. (CPKC) voted more than 97% in favor of a strike mandate this week.

Complicating the negotiations is the fact that three different contracts are under discussion—for CN workers, for CPKC workers, and for CPKC rail traffic controllers.

FEA will continue to provide more details as they become available.