Unifor, CPKC open contract talks; conciliators appointed for CN negotiations

Unifor has initiated contract negotiations with Canadian Pacific Kansas City, weeks after it opened negotiations with CN for a new contract agreement.

At CPKC, Unifor represents about 1,200 members at 17 locations.

"Our bargaining team has prioritized the key issues of work ownership and protection, improving working conditions, and resolving poor labor relations," Unifor officials said in a notice to members. "We are focused on securing protections against high levels of contracting out and forced overtime, as well as tackling strict company policies that negatively impact work-life balance."

At CN, Unifor represents 3,300 mechanical, clerical and intermodal employees in Canada across three collective agreements. The current collective agreements expire Dec. 31.

Three days after beginning negotiations with CN, Unifor on Sept. 27 filed with Canada's labor minister a notice of dispute, also known as "conciliation." On Oct. 8, CN announced in a press release that the labor minister appointed three conciliators who will assist the parties in reaching an agreement.

The conciliation period will last for 60 days, concluding Dec. 2, followed by a 21-day cooling-off period. There can be no work stoppage before Jan. 1, 2025, as the collective agreement remains in effect until Dec. 31, CN officials said.