Canadian Pacific Railway locking out workers, union says

The Canadian Pacific Railway and its workers have not reached an agreement after the union and the company could not come to a negotiated settlement or agree to binding arbitration.

The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), which represents the rail workers said employees will start picketing across the country.

This follows Calgary-based CP Rail’s 72-hour notice to the TCRC of its plan to lock out employees at 12:01 eastern time Sunday.

Dave Fulton, TCRC spokesperson at the bargaining table, says the union was willing to continue negotiations before the lockdown was initiated by the employer.

However, he says, “they then moved the goalpost when it came time to discuss the terms of final and binding arbitration.”

Fulton adds, “We are very disappointed with this turn of events.”

https://twitter.com/TeamstersRail/status/1505396731395063809

Throughout the week, experts have worried about the costs of goods if an agreement wasn’t made.

With the supply chain stretched as thin as it is, and the country continues to deal with the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, “Unfortunately, the employer chose to put the Canadian supply chain and tens of thousands of jobs at risk,” a TCRC release reads.

Read More: 

• Possible CP Rail strike could spell disaster for some small businesses: CFIB

• Canadian truckers unable to fill supply chain gap if CP Rail strikes

• Already stretched B.C supply chain to be impacted if CP Rail locks out workers

Workers are arguing for better wages, benefits, pensions and said they say they want these things so the industry can remain attractive to younger workers.

“In final and binding arbitration, the parties agree to accept the arbitrator’s decision as final. The Teamsters were willing to explore this type of arbitration, but were unable to reach an agreement with the employer.

Wages and pensions remain major stumbling blocks. However, also at issue in these talks are working conditions that call into question the railway’s capacity to recruit and retain workforce members.”