Union members at CPKC vote to strike if deal not reached

Unifor Local 101R members at Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway (CPKC) have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action, with 99 per cent of members supporting the mandate, if a new deal is not reached by Jan. 29.

“This strike mandate shows the strength and determination of CPKC workers to achieve a fair deal,” said Unifor national president Lana Payne. “Members are united in their demands for job security and work ownership, fair wages, and improved working conditions.” 

“CPKC workers play a critical role in Canada’s transportation network. Our union will stand firm to ensure their contributions are respected through an approved collective agreement,” Payne said. 

Negotiations are set to resume in Calgary from Jan. 24-29. Unifor’s bargaining committee said it will continue to push for an agreement that meets the needs of more than 1,200 members of Local 101R. 

The workers, who are employed in mechanical shops, are responsible for inspecting and maintaining CPKC’s fleet of locomotives and freight cars, ensuring the equipment is safe and operational. 

Unifor has emphasized the importance of these roles within Canada’s transportation network, highlighting the need for a fair collective agreement that reflects the workers’ contributions.