Arbitrator issues decision in CN, Teamsters contract dispute

CN has received an arbitrator’s decision regarding the terms of CN's new collective agreement with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), the Class I announced Monday.

After six days of mediation and an arbitration process, arbitrator William Kaplan delivered his ruling that establishes the terms of a new collective agreement between CN and the TCRC. The TCRC represents 6,000 of CN conductors, conductor trainees, yard coordinators and locomotive engineers across CN’s network in Canada.

The new three-year agreement, effective Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2026, includes an annual wage increase of 3%. The new agreement replaces the previous one and does not require ratification.

"Although CN remains disappointed that a negotiated agreement was not reached at the bargaining table, the company is pleased to be moving forward. CN also remains committed to modernizing the collective agreement for the benefit of employees, customers and the North American economy," CN officials said in a press release.

The new contract closely resembles the status quo, TCRC officials said in a prepared statement. TCRC officials added: "The company failed to secure any concessions related to scheduling, rest or fatigue protections. Due to the complexity of these matters, the arbitrator emphasized that these issues are best addressed through free collective bargaining — something the Teamsters have been advocating all along."

Moreover, the Teamsters called on the Canadian government to conduct a full industrial review of the rail industry. Companies are likely to continue pushing for concessions on key protections for scheduling, rest and fatigue, they said.

"Such a review would promote long-term stability in the sector, address the root causes of labor unrest, and identify how Ottawa can better support more harmonious labor relations moving forward," the Teamsters stated.