Arbitration ruling renews CN, Teamsters Canada Rail Conference agreement

CN on Friday announced it will immediately begin to implement an arbitrator's decision that set the terms and conditions of a new three-year agreement with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference-Conductors, Trainpersons and Yardpersons (TCRC-CTY).

The arbitration ruling is binding on both parties and concludes a voluntary mediation/arbitration process that the company and union agreed to on March 22. TCRC-CTY represents about 3,000 CN train conductors, train crew members, yard workers and traffic coordinators in Canada.

The decision provides the following general wages increases: 3 percent retroactive to July 23, 2013; 3 percent effective July 23, 2014; and 3 percent effective July 23, 2015. The pay hikes are in line with general wage and benefit provisions in recent settlements between the Class I and its other unions, CN officials said in a press release.

The arbitrator's decision also stipulates that work rule changes take effect immediately and benefit improvements take effect on July 1.

"The award paves the way for the introduction of scheduling for conductors in Western Canada, an approach we believe will help to address manpower availability and promote greater work-life balance," said Jim Vena, CN's executive vice president and chief operating officer.