CAW issues strike notice at VIA Rail

MONTREAL, June 3, 2013 /CNW/ - The CAW has issued a 72-hour strike notice to VIA Rail, notifying the company at a meeting this afternoon.

The deadline set by the union and VIA Rail is June 14 at 12:01 a.m., ET.  The 72-hour notice is required by federal law. CAW members at VIA voted 94 per cent of a strike if necessary, during a series of meetings conducted across the country.

Negotiations have been ongoing since late October.

CAW President Ken Lewenza, along with the entire CAW bargaining committee, met with VIA Rail executives today.

"The high strike vote reflects the frustrations and insecurities our members feel at VIA," said Lewenza. "This is a direct result of a drop in federal funding and VIA's so-called "modernization" plan which has seen routes cut, stations closed and de-staffed. This plan is not the path to modernizing Canada's passenger railway services."

Lewenza said that the bargaining committees are looking for a fair settlement with VIA Rail, that will recognize their efforts on the job.

The CAW is VIA Rail's largest union, representing approximately 2,000 workers in customer service, on-board service and maintenance.

SOURCE: Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW)