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Unifor Council 4000 and Local 100 opened bargaining with VIA Rail in Montreal on October 25-26 as contracts near expiration for more than 2,000 members.
The opening included introductions and an exchange of proposals, and significant progress in the resolution of outstanding grievances. Your bargaining committees will continue to work diligently to secure a fair contract for all members.
Members identified a number of key issues in this contract negotiation, including a strengthened pension plan, improvements to rest provisions and sick days, an end to contracting out, and made-in-Canada fleet sourcing.
“Unifor members are looking forward to delivering the highest quality service for passengers today, and through the next generation of rail infrastructure. These bargaining teams are experienced, and ready to represent workers in the fight for a fair contract.”
Jerry Dias, Unifor National President.
“As we look toward a greener future with increased use of passenger rail, Unifor’s goal is to ensure that jobs in the sector remain good jobs with fair pay, decent benefits, and a dignified retirement.”
Renaud Gagné, Unifor Quebec Director.
Unifor represents maintenance workers, on-board service personnel, chefs, sales agents and customer service staff at VIA Rail. The current collective agreements expire on December 31, 2019. No strike votes have been taken.
Bargaining and grievance resolution meetings will continue November 5-8 in Montreal. The Bargaining Committee remains determined to bargain the best agreement possible and is working hard to secure gains for all members.
This newsletter and the website are your best source for up to date information.
The union does not bargain in public, but we will use these tools to update you as often as possible. We would ask all members to not listen to the Employer for updates, or entertain rumours that may come up during the bargaining process. Please reach out to your local union representatives for additional information or with questions.
We would like to thank the membership for their continuing show of support.
