Canada's national rail service will experience labour peace through the end of 2027.
Members of Unifor Council 4000 and Local 100, representing 2,500 VIA Rail employees, ratified their new contract, which covers the period from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027.
"We are grateful to our Unifor partners for their collaboration throughout this process, and to our negotiating teams for their dedication and professionalism," said VIA Rail Chief Communications and Human Resources Officer Mathieu Paquette. "Together, we are laying the groundwork for a stronger future that benefits our employees, our passengers, and the communities we serve from coast to coast."
The contract includes a three per cent annual raise, pension program upgrades with a 100 per cent employer match, front-loaded sick days with a payout option for unused days, enhanced benefits, and other components.
"This agreement delivers meaningful gains for our members at VIA Rail and protects the critical work they do serving passengers across Canada," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "We fought hard to secure improvements that matter to our members and to protect good jobs for the future."
Some Council 4000 represents 1,800 VIA Rail employees are represented by Council 4000. They work in station services, headquarters, maintenance centres, and on board trains. Local 100 represents the remaining 700 employees who work as diesel engine mechanics, electricians, railcar technicians, and general workers.