As negotiations continue in Montreal between Canadian National Railway and Unifor, the railway's customer service workers, clerical employees, and those in mechanical operations have given their bargaining unit a strong strike mandate.
Unifor said members of Council 4000 voted 96 per cent in favour of walking off the job to back contract demands, while 97 per cent of those represented by Local 100 voted their approval.
Council 4000 represents 3,300 customer service, clerical, and mechanical operations workers. Local 100 has 2,100 members employed as mechanical operators and heavy equipment operators.
"This overwhelming vote sends a clear message to CN that our members are united and prepared to take action to achieve the fair treatment and respect they deserve," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "Our members have had enough of concessions that erode their rights and livelihoods, and they are standing strong to demand a contract that reflects their value and the critical role they play in CN's success."
The two sides continued contract talks in Montreal on Monday and are expected to continue negotiations until December 8.
"CN has profited enormously from the dedication and hard work of our members. Yet it continues to dismiss their most basic needs," added Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier.
Last summer, thousands of railway workers at CN Rail and CPKC were ordered back to work by the Canada Industrial Relations Board after CN locked them out. The CIRB imposed binding arbitration, which is expected to start in March.
"As per the protocol negotiated between the parties, the arbitrator will have 60 days to rule," said an update from the railway last month. "The CIRB also directed that the current collective agreement remains in place until there is a new agreement."
Those workers were represented by Teamsters and included conductors, conductor trainees, yard coordinators and locomotive engineers.
Teamsters is appealing the CIRB's ruling.