USW Local 2004 ratifies pact with CN

CN employees who are members of United Steelworkers Local 2004 (USW) have approved a new five-year contract, the union and Class I announced yesterday.

For the past several weeks, members have been voting on the tentative agreement reached between CN and Local 2004 in December 2018. The contract covers 3,000 USW members who inspect, maintain and repair CN's system of track, bridges and infrastructure in Canada.

In effect until Dec. 31, 2023, the ratified pact calls for wage increases in each year and improved medical, dental and health-care benefits.

"This is a solid, fair agreement that recognizes the hard work of our members and the key contributions they make every day to CN's success," said Jean-Francois Migneault, president of Local 2004, in a press release.

The contract provides the Class I with long-term stability, said CN President and Chief Executive Officer JJ Ruest.

"We are proud of what we have been able to accomplish for our railroaders," he said. "CN and the USW will continue working together to keep the network safe and secure as we undertake record investments in our track and bridge infrastructure."