Unifor members ratify new contract with VIA Rail

Members of Unifor Local 100 and National Council 4000 have voted to accept a new four-year contract with VIA Rail Canada Inc., union leaders announced yesterday.

The agreement was approved by 80 percent of members across Canada, Unifor officials said in a press release.

The new contract includes wage increases each year of the agreement, with a 2 percent retroactive increase to Jan. 1, 2016.

"Our members are dedicated to providing reliable service to VIA Rail customers and we fully expected the company to recognize our efforts," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. "This agreement continues to build on the solid gains at the bargaining table."

Unifor represents more than 2,000 VIA Rail employees, including maintenance workers, on-board service personnel, chefs, sales agents and customer service staff.