advertisement

---

Yesterday, the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) union "officially" opened contract negotiations with CN, according to the union, which represents 4,300 CN shopcraft, clerical and intermodal workers.

The CAW's negotiating team raised a number of issues with the railroad during the opening round of deliberations including wages, pensions, benefits, job security and working conditions, said CAW President Ken Lewenza in a prepared statement.

“We are well aware that this corporation has seen major gains in its bottom line and productivity over the years and that’s a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our members. Our aim is to bargain a deal that recognizes our members’ contribution to the company’s success,” said Lewenza.

The current CAW-CN agreement expires Dec. 31.

Meanwhile, the United Transportation Union (UTU) and Illinois Midland Railroad (IMR) have reached a tentative five-year agreement covering wages, benefits and working conditions for signal maintainers, mechanical forces and maintenance-of-way employees.

The agreement calls for a general wage increase, retroactive pay to April 1, a cap on health care insurance contributions and a new short-term disability plan. IMR is a Genesee & Wyoming Inc. subsidiary.