CPKC faces strike from Canadian signal workers

CPKC yesterday received a 72-hour strike notice from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Canadian Signals and Communications Systems Council No. 11, which represents about 300 CPKC signals and communications (C&S) employees across Canada.

The IBEW stated it intends to begin a strike on the morning of May 31, backed by a 96% strike mandate vote. Should a work stoppage occur, CPKC has prepared contingency plans that allow the railroad to continue operating, railroad officials said in a press release.

"We remain committed to bargaining in good faith with IBEW in order to reach a negotiated outcome that is in the best interests of our employees and their families, our customers and the company," CPKC officials said. "Negotiations will continue into the weekend."

IBEW members have raised concerns regarding wages, expenses incurred by employees, work-life balance, and recruitment and retention, union officials said in a press release. Following a months-long bargaining process, including federally mandated conciliation and mediation processes, IBEW maintains that CPKC has failed to "seriously engage" on the union's proposals, they added. 

The railroad's proposed offers have wage and benefit increases consistent with collective agreements in place with all of its other unions across Canada, CPKC officials said.