MONTREAL — CN said it has issued notice to the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference formally advising them of its intention to lockout Canadian TCRC-represented employees at 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 22 unless an agreement or binding arbitration is achieved before that time.
Despite negotiations over the weekend, no meaningful progress has occurred, and the parties remain very far apart.
Unless there is an immediate and definite resolution to the labor conflict, CN will have no choice but to continue the phased and progressive shutdown of its network which would culminate in a lockout.
CN must continue with the progressive and planned shutdown of its network, as we remain under the threat of an unpredictable strike notice. This planned shut down helps to ensure the safety of the communities in which we operate and the safety of our customers’ goods, and to optimize the network’s recovery following a labour disruption. Additional embargoes will be issued on Aug. 19.
In January, CN offered the TCRC a modernized agreement that improved safety, wages, and work/life balance while protecting acquired rights. This offer was refused.
