Negotiations break down between Via Rail and Unifor: strike possible June 22

Negotiations have broken down between Via Rail and the Canada-wide union Unifor, which represents 2,400 workers across the country, including Quebec.

The Unifor unions concerned, which are affiliated to the FTQ in Quebec, already have a strike mandate. They will be able to exercise this mandate from June 22.

The conciliation period ended on May 31. Under federal rules, a “cooling-off period” follows, at the end of which the parties can exercise their right to strike or lock-out.

The Unifor union says many of its members are struggling with a scheduling system known as “on-board reserve boards”, which means they have too few hours of work to generate sufficient income.

“Workers face chronically reduced hours and reduced wages due to the employer’s mismanagement of the roster system. Many are unable to earn a decent wage and struggle to meet their basic financial obligations,” reports Unifor.

Contacted, Via Rail management said that “as part of the usual process for renewing collective agreements, negotiations will continue on June 17, with the help of conciliators”.

Management says it is “committed to negotiating in good faith with the aim of reaching new agreements and avoiding any service disruption”.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews