CN, union reach tentative pact to end strike

CN and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference have reached a tentative contract agreement, ending a week-long strike involving about 3,200 CN conductors and rail yard crews in Canada.

The agreement will allow CN employees to return to work at 2 p.m. local times today, with yard assignment to start at 6 a.m. local times Wednesday, CN officials said in a press release.

There will be no job action during the ratification period, they said. Results of the ratification votes are expected within eight weeks.

“We want to thank our customers for their patience and support and assure them that CN is preparing to resume full rail operations as soon as possible,” said CN President and Chief Executive Officer JJ Ruest. "I would also like to personally thank our employees who kept the railroad moving safely at a reduced capacity."

The tentative agreement must be ratified by union members via secret-ballot, Teamsters Canada officials said in a press release. Agreement details will not be released until after members review it.

Teamsters Canada President Francois Laporte thanked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for "respecting workers' right to strike." He also acknowledged other government leaders and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, who were "instrumental in helping the parties find common ground."