Rail

MONTREAL – A tentative deal has been reached with VIA Rail and Unifor Council 4000 and Local 100 just hours before members were prepared to initiate job actions.

“From the beginning our bargaining committees felt the weight of their responsibility - to fight for the best deal for their members,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer. “They have done incredible work. They were tough and principled and they have proven that when we fight we can win for working people.”

MONTREAL – A strike deadline for VIA Rail workers, set for July 11 at 12:01 a.m. has been extended to July 11 at 4:00 p.m. eastern.

“We remain hopeful that a deal can be reached,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer. “Our bargaining committees have been steadfast in wanting to achieve a deal that respects and values their work.”

A strike deadline for July 11, 2022 was announced last Thursday, in an effort to give the public ample notice and an opportunity to make alternative arrangements for travel. Rail services will continue Monday.

Strike Deadline Extended

Tonight both Council 4000 and Local 100 bargaining committees have decided to extend the bargaining deadline to July 11 at 16:00 hours ET. 

The bargaining committees have been working throughout the weekend pushing back against the employers concessions. As of now we have removed all concessions and will be spending the remaining time to discuss remaining monetary items.

Though talks with the employer are progressing, we must still be ready to take job action should an agreement not be reached.

Unifor Issues 72 Hour Strike Notice to VIA Rail

Dear members,

As mentioned earlier this week both Council 4000 and Local 100 resumed negotiations with the employer this week in Montreal. Unfortunately, talks have not progressed in the way we had hoped. In consultation with the National Union, both Council 4000 and Local 100 issued strike notice to VIA Rail this evening.

MONTREAL – Unifor Council 4000 and Local 100 announced the union’s 72 hours’ strike notice to VIA Rail after talks failed to progress.

“VIA Rail workers are frustrated that the employer continues to push concessions and not work towards a fair and equitable collective agreement for our members,” said Scott Doherty, Executive Assistant to Unifor’s National President and lead negotiator. “Unifor members at VIA are highly skilled and contributed to the success of the company. We will do whatever it takes to get members the collective agreement that they deserve.”

MONTREAL – Unifor Council 4000 and Local 100 members issue a strong strike mandate ahead of July 11 deadline, as negotiations continue in Montreal.

“The strike vote result sends a clear message to the employer: The membership supports the bargaining committee, is firm in their demands, and is prepared to take action if needed,” said Scott Doherty, Executive Assistant to Unifor’s National President and lead negotiator.  “At this critical time, VIA Rail members deserve the best possible agreement, and that can only be won by working together, in solidarity.”

Dear members,

From June 20 to July 1, 2022 both Council 4000 and Local 100 conducted strike votes with VIA Rail members across Canada. The results for the vote were 99.4% in favour of strike action at Local 100 and 99.3 % in favour of strike action from Council 4000 members.

This is the strong mandate Council 4000 and Local 100 bargaining committees need as we continue to meet with the employer this week in Montreal. Your bargaining committees are committed to meet with VIA Rail right up to the strike deadline of 12:01 a.m. on Monday July 11, 2022.

Council 4000 and Local 100 bargaining committee resumed negotiations this week from Monday to Thursday with VIA Rail.

As mentioned in the previous RailLine, VIA Rail has served four estoppels and are refusing to take them off the table. Both Council 4000 and Local 100 are currently facing concessions. This is unacceptable to both bargaining committees.

Council 4000 and Local 100 bargaining committee resumed negotiations this week from Monday to Wednesday with VIA Rail.

Council 4000 has significant work rules to work through, however VIA has served 4 estoppel’s and are refusing to take them off the table and both the Council and Local 100 are currently facing concessions. This is unacceptable to both bargaining committees and we will continue to pushback and have the concessions removed.