As reported by the Globe and Mail on January 7, 2005, CN is risking another major strike action by January 20, 2005
should labor negotiations not conclude satisfactorily prior to that date. At stake are the Unions representing some 5,000+ employees comprising of brakemen and conductors, locomotive engineers and electrical workers.
The Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA) has weighed in on the issue, skeptically observing that, "It is hardly possible to replace these 5,000+ members with 1,000 'CN managers' and
not having serious consequences on performance and service reliability!"
CIFFA cautions the trade community to prepare contingency plans and be aware of the potential consequences of a labor shutdown at CN.
Given what they refer to as "CN's 'take it or leave it attitude' in the marketplace," CIFFA representatives question "whether or not they are capable of demonstrating a more conciliatory and
co-operative attitude towards their own employees..."
CN has issued a press release on January 10, 2005
MONTREAL, Jan. 10, 2005 -- CN said today the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has
been asked by the Canadian government to determine whether specific rail services should be maintained in Canada in the event of strikes or lockouts involving three of the company's unions.
During the CIRB
determination process, CN will continue to bargain in Canada with the United Transportation Union (UTU), representing 2,520 brakemen and conductors; the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), which represents 1,750
locomotive engineers; and the 630-member International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). The company remains optimistic settlements can be reached without labour disruption.CN is cooperating fully with the CIRB,
whose essential services review was requested by the Honourable Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour.
Until the CIRB renders its decision on essential services, any right to strike or
lockout is suspended. After
the board's determination, at least 72 hours' strike or lockout notice would be required prior to any legal strike or lockout.
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Update:
January 14, 2005 (Courtesy of CITA)
The Unions representing locomotive engineers, conductors and other train service employees
have been without a contract since December 31, 03!
The two Unions (UTU and TCRC) are in a strike position in the very near future once the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) completes its
essential services review. The two Unions would be in a strike position by January 21 and 25 respectively, but no strike or lockout can be called until the CIRB resolves the 'essential services issue'. The
TCRC website, www.teamstersrail.ca contains a letter that gives the union's position on the essential services issue.
After the CIRB decision has been rendered, the union can strike with a
72-hour notice. If a strike occurs, it is highly unlikely that CN can manage the situation with management staff only.
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