Unifor members at CP Rail vote to strike, if necessary

CALGARY, Jan. 13, 2015 /CNW/ - Workers at CP Rail, represented by Unifor Local 101R have voted 97 per cent in favour of going on strike if necessary. The deadline is set as February 15 at 12:01 a.m. Voting took place at meetings right across the Canada over the last week.  

Unifor Local 101R represents approximately 1,650 workers at CP in locations across the country. Negotiations commenced in September and resume this week in Calgary. The current contract expired on December 31, 2014.

Unifor President Jerry Dias said that the union will be enshrining in the collective agreement rights that the federal government is attempting to take away with Bill C-525 (now law), such permitting a minority (40 per cent) to initiate a decertification vote. "At every single federal sector collective bargaining table, we will be negotiating clauses around union certification, so that we can continue to advocate on behalf of workers – without government interference," said Dias.   

National Rail Director Brian Stevens said that negotiations have been challenging so far given the significant concessions CP Rail is pushing for at the bargaining table and the heavy-handed treatment and excessive disciplinary measures in the workplace.

"Our members have spoken loudly and clearly about their issues and concerns, this high strike vote is a strong indication that our members are absolutely serious in addressing them at the bargaining table," said Tom Murphy, Unifor Local 101R President.

"Workers at CP Rail have the full support of the union right across Canada as they fight concessionary demands to secure a decent contract," said Dias.

Local 101R members perform important safety inspections and brake tests on freight trains and locomotives. They also perform repair and maintenance work on wheels and bearings, braking systems and safety appliances on freight and tank cars that travel along the CP Rail system. 

Unifor represents more than 305,000 members across the country in every economic sector, including 12,500 rail workers.

SOURCE Unifor