TCRC, IBEW reject CP's final contract offer, issue strike notice

The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference-Train & Engine (TCRC) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) have notified Canadian Pacific of the unions' respective plans to strike as of 10 p.m. Eastern time today.

In both cases, the parties gave more than the required 72-hour notice following last week's vote by the unions' members to reject CP's final contract offers in a vote that was administered by the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

"CP has commenced its work stoppage contingency plan and will work closely with customers to ensure a smooth, efficient and safe wind down of operations," CP officials said in a press release issued late last week.

CP officials also said they would continue to work with the unions in the hopes of reaching an agreement.

"Teamsters and the IBEW are committed to working with federal mediators and reaching a negotiated settlement. Both unions are willing to remain at the bargaining table until the May 29 strike deadline and beyond," according to a press release issued by the TCRC.

However, CP "clearly isn't serious about reaching a negotiated settlement," said TCRC President Doug Finnson.

IBEW and TCRC members voted overwhelmingly last week to reject CP's final offer. IBEW represents about 360 signals and communications employees and TCRC represents about 3,000 conductors and locomotive engineers at CP.