Canadian National Railway and Unifor reach new collective agreements

Minister Leitch congratulates both parties

OTTAWA, March 18, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, congratulated Canadian National Railway (CN) and Unifor on the renewal of various collective agreements.

All agreements were reached with assistance from the Labour Program's Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). The FMCS provides dispute resolution and dispute prevention assistance to trade unions and employers under the jurisdiction of the Canada Labour Code.

Quick Facts

• CN is the largest railway company in Canada and transports approximately $250 billion worth of goods annually, including natural resources, manufactured products and consumer goods. It transports products for a wide range of business sectors across a rail network spanning Canada and mid-America, from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the Gulf of Mexico.
• The collective agreement covering approximately 2,000 shopcraft employees expired on December 31, 2014.
• The collective agreement covering approximately 1,750 clerical and intermodal employees expired on December 31, 2014.
• The collective agreement covering 10 operator-excavators expired on December 31, 2014.
• The collective agreement covering approximately 800 owner-operator truck drivers expired on December 31, 2014.
• The collective agreement covering approximately 65 locomotive engineers and conductors formally employed by Savage Alberta Railway Inc. expired on December 31, 2012.

Quote

"I commend Canadian National Railway and Unifor on working together to end their disputes. Strong labour‑management relations favour both parties and benefit the overall economy."   
– The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P., Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

Associated Link

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service

SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

Related Links

http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca