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Yesterday, 83 percent of VIA Rail Canada Inc. workers represented by the Canadian Auto Workers’ Union (CAW) voted in favor of a strike, if necessary, to obtain a new collective bargaining agreement.

VIA Rail and CAW officials, and a special mediator will begin full-scale bargaining on July 29.

"[Members] would prefer a good settlement to strike action, but they’re prepared to apply some pressure if need be," said the union’s chief negotiator Gary Fane in a prepared statement.

Unresolved issues include wages, pensions, disability insurance, sick leave and adequate staffing for on-train customer service.

CAW represents more than 2,500 VIA Rail workers, including reservations and sales agents, station staff, and on-board and maintenance employees.