CN presents simplified offer to TCRC

In an effort to avoid a work stoppage, CN tabled a new offer to the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), the Class I announced yesterday.

The new offer remains compliant with the federal government's duty and rest period rules (DRPR) which define the requirements related to the hours of work and rest periods for employees who are in positions designated critical to safe railway operations, CN officials said in a press release.

Bargaining began in 2023 for new agreements that would cover train and engine employees and rail traffic controllers. Since then, CN's proposals have focused on modernizing the collective agreement to enhance employee safety, introducing predictable scheduling with planned consecutive days off, better work-life balance and increased financial compensation, company leaders said.

As the TCRC would not negotiate those "enhancements for a more modern agreement," CN has made the revised offer within the existing parameters of the current collective agreement, CN officials said. The revised offer eliminates the hourly rate and scheduling proposal and continues to comply with the DRPR, they added.

CN's announcement follows news that Canada's labor minister has asked the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to review whether a potential work stoppage by TCRC members would cause harm to the safety or health of the public. Earlier this month, TCRC members voted to authorize strikes at CPKC and CN as early as May 22.

The CIRB's involvement means that a work stoppage cannot occur until the board issues a decision.