CN and CPKC have reached agreements with multiple unions
Canadian industries relying on rail transport can breathe a sigh of relief as CN and CPKC have reached agreements with multiple unions before work stoppages occurred.
CN and the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers, which represents about 750 employees across Canada, agreed on a new tentative contract, CN said in a Jan. 28 statement.
The two sides began negotiating in September 2024, and the previous deal expired in December.
The IBEW issued a strike notice over the weekend and workers prepared to walk off the job Tuesday.
CN didn’t disclose contract details, but that information is posted on the IBEW’s website.
The contract specifics include:
- A December 31, 2028, expiry date
- Wage increases of 3 per cent per year of the contract (12 per cent over four years)
- A $1 per hour premium for boom truck operators
- Increases in daily meal allowances, and
- 10 paid medical leave days guaranteed for the life of the contract, frontloaded at the start of each year
“Thanks to your supporting 95% strike mandate, your Bargaining Committee was able to bargain a fair deal that we know wasn’t possible without your support!” Jason Sommer, the senior general chairman of IBEW System Council no. 11 said on the union’s site.
The new contract still needs a ratification vote from IBEW members.
CPKC and two unions reached new deals.
On Jan. 28, the railway announced it and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference Maintenance of Way Employees Division (TCRC-MWED), which represents about 2,300 engineering service employees across Canada, found common ground on a new contract.
Neither side has released any details.
“The agreement must now be ratified, and the TCRC-MWED is in the process of communicating details to members,” the union said on X.
One day prior, on Jan. 27, CPKC and Unifor announced their contract negotiations resulted in a tentative agreement.
The union represents about 1,200 mechanics, labourers, diesel service attendants and mechanical support staff.
Earlier in the month, employees voted in favour of strike action and workers were prepared to walk off the job on Jan. 29.
But this new deal with CPKC addresses employee concerns.
“The agreement addresses key priorities identified by members, including work ownership, improvements to working conditions, and repairing strained labour relations,” the union said on its website. “The bargaining committee thanks members for their overwhelming support and solidarity throughout this process.”
The deal still requires ratification votes.