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The maintenance-of-way workers’ strike at Canadian Pacific Railway appears to be over. At about 6:30 a.m. today, CPR and Teamsters Canada Rail Conference-Maintenance of Way Employees Division officials reached a tentative three-year agreement. Striking workers could be returning to their jobs during the next few days, according to CPR.

The union launched the strike May 15 after the parties failed to agree on wage increases, benefit improvements and work rules. The previous contract covering the 3,200 CPR track, bridge and structure maintenance workers represented by the Teamsters’ division expired on Dec. 31. The parties have been bargaining a new contract since July 2006.

Since the strike began, more than 1,300 MOW-trained CPR management employees have been performing the tasks of about 1,200 striking workers.

The tentative contract soon will be presented to union members for ratification, according to the Teamsters’ division. Contract details weren’t released pending ratification.