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Tentative agreement reached between CN and CAW

Possible job action by the Canadian Auto Workers Union that would have impacted the transportation of goods along the CN Line has been delayed and possible avoided entirely with the announcement on January 24 that the two groups had reached a tentative agreement.
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Possible job action by the Canadian Auto Workers Union that would have impacted the transportation of goods along the CN Line has been delayed and possible avoided entirely with the announcement on January 24 that the two groups had reached a tentative agreement.

The tentative deal comes following what the union calls “around the clock negotiations” and comes less than 24 hours before the union was to begin job action, with strike notice given to CN that was to begin at 12:01 a.m. eastern on January 24.

While the specifics of the contract are not being disclosed, pending ratification by the members, CN says it includes increases to wages and benefits and “contain progressive provisions that would help CN retain and attract skilled employees critical to its workforce in the years ahead.”

The Canadian Auto Workers union executive is endorsing the deal and will be taking it to the membership for ratification in the month ahead.

“This is a hard won collective agreement and I commend the master bargaining committee for their perseverance and dedication to resolving the issues important to our members right across the country,” said CAW National President Ken Lewenza, noting that leaders from around Canada will meet in Montreal on January 27 to review the deal.

Negotiations between the two sides started back in September and the CAW has been working without a contract since December 31.

The CAW represents 4,300 workers in shopcraft (skilled trades), office and clerical, mechanical fields as well as owner operators.