CPKC, Teamsters to meet with mediator

Canadian Pacific Kansas City and Teamsters Canada Rail Conference leadership will resume meeting tomorrow with the help of federal mediators in an attempt to reach new collective agreements for train and engine employees and rail traffic controllers, the Class I announced today.

The 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.

In an update on negotiations, CPKC officials said the Class I remains committed to negotiating renewed agreements. CPKC officials said that as of today:
• The CIRB has requested submissions from CPKC and the TCRC as well as other interested stakeholders by May 21; the parties have until May 31 to file replies;
• CPKC has proposed to the TCRC that both parties agree on the services that should be maintained in the event of a strike or lockout. "We believe this would eliminate the need for the CIRB referral process and bring much needed clarity regarding the timing of any potential strike or lockout," CPKC officials said.
• If no maintenance of services agreement is reached, it's unlikely the parties will be in a position to initiate a legal strike or lockout within the next 60 days; and
• CPKC on May 15 voluntarily offered to enter binding arbitration to avoid a work stoppage, but TCRC declined.