Teamsters Rail members vote 93% in favour of strike action

CALGARY, Alta.–The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) members employed as Locomotive Engineers, Conductors, Trainmen and Yardmen throughout Canada have voted 93% in favour of taking strike action in order to obtain a negotiated settlement with Canadian Pacific Railway. The Teamsters Union and CP are within the 21 day cooling off period as provided for within the Canada Labour Code. A strike or lockout is possible as early as February 15, said a Teamsters release.

“The bargaining committee is strengthened by the determination of the membership to fight for their rights to maintain a safe working environment, and to obtain acceptable improvements in their working lives,” said TCRC President Douglas Finnson.

“CP has provoked confrontation with their Unionized employees as often as they can, and their style of labour relations has resulted in the most massive contract rejection in the history of the railway industry”, said Finnson.

The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference is scheduled to bargain with CP in Montreal with the Assistance of Mediators from Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services, February 10 to 14, said the release.