CN Locks Out Teamsters Union Employees

In a recent update on labor negotiations, Canadian National Railway (CN) has expressed frustration over the lack of progress with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC). Over the past nine months, CN has made multiple serious offers aimed at improving wages and working conditions for employees, including proposals for better pay, enhanced rest periods, and more predictable schedules. However, the TCRC has shown little urgency in reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. Currently, conductors and locomotive engineers work approximately 160 days a year, combining various duty and rest period rules with paid sick days and personal leave. In April, CN improved its wage offer to $75 per hour for locomotive engineers and $65 per hour for conductors, alongside commitments to job security and guaranteed earnings. Despite these enhancements, the TCRC rejected the proposal. In May, CN attempted to simplify its offer within the existing collective agreement framework, again focusing on improved wages and predictable days off, but this too was declined by the TCRC. With negotiations at a standstill, CN proposed voluntary binding arbitration in June as a potential resolution to the impasse. The company has made all details regarding its offers publicly available, emphasizing transparency in the negotiation process. As the situation develops, CN remains committed to finding a resolution that benefits employees, the company, and the broader economy, while also noting that forward-looking statements are subject to change based on future events.