CPKC receives 72-hour strike notice from electrical workers union

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) says it has received a 72-hour strike notice from a union representing about 300 Signals and Communications employees across Canada.

The railway said the notice came from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Canadian Signals and Communications System Council No. 11. The union has indicated it intends to strike at 8 a.m. MDT on Sunday, May 31.

The company said it has prepared contingency plans in the event of a work stoppage and expects to continue serving customers and supporting the Canadian economy, adding that safe and efficient railway operations will continue.

“We remain committed to bargaining in good faith with IBEW in order to reach a negotiated outcome that is in the best interests of our employees and their families, our customers, and the company,” CPKC said in a statement, noting negotiations will continue into the weekend.

The railway said it has put forward what it described as fair and balanced proposals, including wage and benefit increases aligned with agreements reached with its other unions in Canada.

CPKC said it remains hopeful a deal can be reached without a work stoppage.