Canada’s two largest railroad operators, Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) have formally locked out employees.
Negotiations between Teamsters, the union representing rail workers and the companies continued last night but did not yield a new agreement.
In a press release CPKC said,” Throughout nearly a year of negotiations, CPKC has remained committed to doing its part to avoid this work stoppage. CPKC has bargained in good faith, but despite our best efforts, it is clear that a negotiated outcome with the TCRC is not within reach.”
CN in their press release following the lockout is urging the union to engage in negotiations with “the urgency and importance that this situation requires.”
The previous contract expired last year and the union and the two companies have been bargaining since.
Teamsters say over the last several days they’ve put forward multiple offers none of which have been considered by the company.
“Throughout this process, CN and CPKC have shown themselves willing to compromise rail safety and tear families apart to earn an extra buck. The railroads don’t care about farmers, small businesses, supply chains, or their own employees. Their sole focus is boosting their bottom line, even if it means jeopardizing the entire economy,” said Paul Boucher, president, Teamsters Canada Rail Conference.”
The union goes on to say that the main obstacles in reaching an agreement remain the company’s demands not union proposals.
Both CN and CPKC say they’ve negotiated in good faith offering better pay and working conditions.
The lockout began at 12:01 a.m. today.
Read More: Companies prepare as rail strike looms
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