Unions representing workers issue notice of strike action

The unions representing train operators and signalling workers at Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. have served the company with notice of a strike action.

The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers have told CP Rail they will be in a position to strike as of 10 p.m. ET Tuesday.

In a statement issued Saturday, the unions accused the company of “refusing to negotiate seriously,” after workers rejected its latest contract offer on Friday.

“CP is offering more of the same contract language that workers just voted to reject a few hours ago,” TCRC president Doug Finnson said in the statement. “The company clearly isn’t serious about reaching a negoti- ated settlement and delivering on their promise to do right by their employees.”

An IBEW representative quoted in the same statement said CP has “continually changed directions during negotiations,” giving no indication that a settlement was possible.

“We have given CP every reasonable opportunity to negotiate and avoid a strike, but sadly that has led us nowhere,” said Steve Mar- tin, senior general chairman from IBEW System Council No. 11.

The unions said they are committed to working with federal mediators to reach a settlement, and they will “remain at the bargaining table until the May 29 strike deadline and beyond.”

In its own statement, CP said it has “commenced its work stoppage contingency plan” and will work toward a safe wind-down of operations.