Update: 25.06.2024
Last week, the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) called on its members to cast their strike vote until 29 June.
The call comes after the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) received final submissions from rail companies and the union.
The purpose was to investigate the government's request regarding the maintenance of activities during a potential railway strike.
At the moment, it remains unclear how long it will take for the CIRB to issue a decision.
Stakeholders, including CN and CPKC, requested a 30-day “cooling off period” before any strike action. They cited health, safety, and economic considerations.
Kuehne+Nagel is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as soon as they are announced. For further enquiries, please contact your local Kuehne+Nagel contact.
Update: 21.05.2024
The possibility of a rail strike in Canada increased last week after negotiations failed between railroads Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and the union representing the workers.
However, a strike is unlikely to occur this month as both parties must wait for a decision from the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB).
Earlier this month, the federal government assigned the CIRB to push back the potential labour action.
Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan acted after stakeholders expressed concern about the effect of a stoppage on healthcare infrastructure, reports Reuters.
As part of the process, the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) union and the railroads have until 31 May to submit their claims to the CIRB to help it decide if the strike could pose adverse health and safety implications on the country.
The collective agreement for locomotive engineers, conductors, and yard workers at CN and CPKC expired on 31 December 2023, and negotiations have been held on multiple occasions but to no avail.
If a strike occurs, nearly 9,000 employees are likely to participate nationwide.
Most recently, the railroads announced providing a revised offer. However, the union described the offers as "unreasonable."
According to the latest statement, the companies " have continued to refuse to bargain our demands."
Original article: 03.05.2024
Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) union released the staggering results of its vote to strike following failed negotiations with two major rail operators.
Amongst the union members employed by Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), an impressive 93.3% participated in the vote. Of those, an overwhelming 97.6% voted in favour of a strike action.
"This alone sends a huge message to both companies that we simply will not accept anything short of an agreement that will address your issues and concerns," said TCRC in response to the vote count.
While the parties are now in a 21-day cooling-off period, negotiations together with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services (FMCS) will continue on the 13 and 17 May.
Should an agreement not be reached by then, a work stoppage could start as early as 22 May.
In its latest media release, CPKC stated it foresees significant disruption to its network and supply chains throughout North America should the strikes go ahead.
Kuehne+Nagel will closely follow developments and provide timely updates. Nevertheless, customers are advised to plan and consider potential strike impacts on shipments and logistics.
For more information, please refer to our latest advisory or contact your Kuehne+Nagel representative.
