TCRC CTY WestNegotiations
June 7,
2024
Dear members,
This update follows the one sent to you on May 17th. Your bargaining committee had three days of meetings planned with the employer this week with the participation of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services. Unfortunately, after only the first day of meeting, we could only realize that CN had no intention of discussing or even considering our demands. For example, the employer even refuses to renew generic letters which have been systematically renewed during each negotiation for years. Given this reality, it was decided not to continue for the other two days that were scheduled.
The employer's actions throughout the process demonstrate more and more clearly that CN has no intention of reaching a negotiated agreement with the union. In fact, CN seems to be trying by all means to remove the union's right to strike and instead rely on an arbitration process instead of taking its responsibilities and negotiate in good faith.
As you know, the Minister of Labor asked the Canada Industrial Relations Board to rule on the maintenance of essential services agreement between the parties. We are also working to defend our position and the agreement already concluded to that effect. We cannot anticipate the date on which a decision will be rendered on this subject, in the meantime, the right to strike or lock-out is suspended.
As you can see, although we are available and ready to negotiate to try to reach a satisfactory agreement, the Company is not. Despite all of this, rest assured that we will continue to make all necessary efforts to ensure that your rights and interests are protected.
As usual, we will continue to keep you informed of any new developments.
In Solidarity,
Mark Kernaghan
General Chair
TCRC
Central LE
Jean-Michel Hallé
General Chair
TCRC Lines East LE
KC James
General Chair
TCRC West
LE
Jim Lennie
General Chair
TCRC
Central CTY
Ray Donegan
General Chair
TCRC West CTY
Alain Gatien
General Chair
TCRC Lines
East CTY