May 22, 2024 - All TCRC Local
Chairs – CPKC Eastern and Western Regions – Negotiations Bulletin 10
As you are probably aware, Federal Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan has
requested that the Canadian Industrial Relations Board assess whether
the strike could pose safety implications. He stated that the request
was prompted by concerns from industry groups. The board is set to
examine what, if any, critical shipments must continue in the event of a
strike or lockout. The Union and Company submissions were submitted on
May 21 and rebuttals must be submitted by May 31. It is unclear exactly
how long the review could last, which means that the earliest a
strike/lockout can commence is
at
least 72 hours after the CIRB has made their decision.
The bargaining committee assembled in Montreal on May 16 to prepare for
negotiations with the Company and Federal Mediators from FMCS on May 17.
Despite being ready to negotiate over the long weekend, the Company
declined to participate unless their original demands were met. The
committee found this unacceptable, given the membership's response to
the strike mandate and CPKC’s options. During the scheduled
negotiations, the committee worked extensively with the Federal
Mediators to explain our positions and why the company's demands were
unacceptable. The parties parted ways on May 21. FMCS remain prepared to
continue mediation, if necessary, though no further negotiation dates
are planned.
Ultimately, no progress has been made on the Union's demands this week.
The Company clearly indicated its preference for arbitration over
negotiation, suggesting it hopes for government intervention to stop
collective bargaining.
We remain committed to negotiating a
Collective Agreement and will continue to advocate for and defend the
members’ best interests. As a union, we have a fundamental obligation to
our membership to secure an acceptable contract that reflects the needs
and desires of our members. This commitment means we cannot and will not
accept terms that undermine the hard-fought rights and benefits our
members deserve. The negotiation process is challenging, but our
dedication to achieving a fair and equitable agreement is unwavering.
Our goal is to ensure that any contract we agree to is one that all
members can be proud of, safeguarding their rights and improving their
working conditions.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
PDF Copy of this
letter
We remain, In Solidarity,
Dave Fulton
General Chairman - CTY West
Greg Lawrenson
General Chairman - LE West
Wayne Apsey
General Chairman - CTY East
Ed Mogus
General Chairman - LE East
CC:
Paul Boucher - TCRC President
Ryan Finnson - TCRC Vice
President
