VIA Rail 'optimistic' about reaching CAW agreements

VIA Rail Canada Inc. remains "optimistic" that it will reach collective bargaining agreements with the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) before a June 14 deadline, VIA Rail officials said in a press release issued yesterday.

The parties have been in conciliation since April and currently are in mediation, they said.

"VIA Rail will continue to be fully functional and provide the same level of service, on-time departures and arrivals, on-board quality service and safety to its passengers, employees and the public it normally does," railroad officials said.

On Monday, the union served a 72-hour strike notice to the railroad, but can't legally strike until June 14, following a mandatory cooling off period, the Winnipeg Free Press reported this morning. The union represents about 2,000 VIA Rail employees in customer service, on-board service and maintenance.