advertisement

---

United Steelworkers of America (USWA) members recently ratified a four-year agreement with Canadian National Railway Co. The union represents about 2,250 CN employees who maintain and repair track, bridges and structures.

Effective Jan. 1, 2004, to Dec. 31, 2007, the contract provides wage increases (including retroactive wages and lump-sum payments), and improves benefits and work rules.

Meanwhile, CN officials are awaiting a ratification vote by United Transportation Union (UTU) members on a three-year deal. Last month, CN reached a tentative agreement with the union, which represents about 2,600 Canadian conductors, assistant conductors, yard employees and traffic coordinators.

CN officials also are trying to renew agreements with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). In the meantime, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) continues to review which CN services should be maintained in the event of a strike or lockout involving the TCRC, IBEW or UTU. The CIRB has suspended the unions' right to strike and railroad's right to issue a lockout until the board renders a decision.

So far in Canada, CN has renewed an agreement with the UTU covering Northern Quebec Territory brakemen and conductors, and obtained contracts from the Canadian Auto Workers, Teamsters Canada Rail Conference/Rail Traffic Controllers and Canadian National Railways Police Association.