Canadian Railroad Work Stoppage Unlikely to Occur Within 60 Days

Canadian Pacific Kansas City says it’s unlikely that its engineers, conductors, and rail traffic controllers in Canada can strike or be locked out within the next 60 days, Trains reported on Friday (5-17-24).

CPKC and Canadian National are conducting separate negotiations with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, whose members authorized a strike that could have begun on May 22nd. But last week the Canada Industrial Relations Board began a review of what commodities might be deemed essential and therefore would be required to continue moving during a work stoppage. The deadline for submissions from interested parties is May 21st, with replies due on May 31st.

That timeline has increased uncertainty about when freight traffic—as well as commuter service in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, which are dispatched by CPKC—would be affected by a strike or lockout.

A legal strike or lockout can’t occur until the industrial relations board issues a decision on what commodities, such as propane, are deemed essential. Once a decision is issued, Canadian labor law requires 72 hours notice before a strike or lockout could begin.

On Thursday, CN announced it had made a new offer to the TCRC, while CPKC said it proposed to the TCRC that both parties agree upon what services should be maintained during a strike or lockout.

According to Trains, the railways and the union remain far apart on a contract agreement and have been negotiating with the assistance of federal conciliators. CN and CPKC both have proposed shifting train crews from the traditional mileage-based pay to hourly pay.