CUSTOMER ADVISORY

Dear Customer,

Please find update to previously communicated labour concerns within the industry.

As advised, negotiations between the TCRC and CP and CN Rail have been overseen by federal mediators since the beginning of March.

The union representing approximately 9200 conductors, engineers and yard workers have been without a contract since the expiry of their collective agreements December 31st, 2023.

In their last press address, CP has reiterated that the parties remain far apart with bargaining to continue the week of April 22nd.

CN and the TCRC met April 10th – 12th where CN proposed an improved offer to the union. 

Union members are currently voting on a proposal to authorize a strike.  Earliest a walkout or lockout could occur is May 21st.

In Montreal, mediation meetings took place April 16th and 17th between the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 375). The MEA has advised that there has been no strike vote, and the union has not planned a meeting to set that in motion. For any pressure tactics to be applied, a vote and 72 hours’ notice is necessary.

We also thought it valuable to include to this advisory comment on the continued negotiations on the west coast between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA). The two sides have been engaged in negotiations, assisted by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services (FMCS) since the middle of January. Those parties have entered a 21-day cooling off period with mediated talks to continue. During this period, the parties may acquire the legal right to strike or lockout but may not exercise their rights to strike or lockout until; 21 days have passed since the end of the conciliation process, a strike or lockout vote has been taken and a 72-hour strike notice has been given. As of current, the earliest either party could exercise their legal right to strike or lockout is May 10th, 2024. Talks are expected to continue May 8th – 10th. The collective agreement expired March 31st, 2023.

Lastly, please kindly note that over 9000 workers at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are also actively voting on a strike mandate. The voting period is set to last until May 15th. In the interim, while the strike vote is underway, Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and CBSA are proceeding to Public Interest Commission (PIC) hearings with the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board.

Following the PIC hearings, the commission will release its non-binding recommendations to reach an agreement. If members vote in favour of a strike mandate, PSAC will be in a legal strike position seven days after the board releases its report.

We continue to monitor the potential for labour action and will endeavor to provide further updates as new information is received.

Sincerely,

HENSALL GLOBAL LOGISTICS