CAW to decide on new contract offer tomorrow

MONTREAL, (March 12, 2004) — The Canadian Auto Workers union, which is representing 5,000 striking CN Rail mechanics, clerks and intermodal yard workers, said it will submit a counter-proposal tomorrow to end the four-week long strike.

CN submitted an “enhanced” contract offer yesterday. But the union says it needs to review it before bringing it directly to a ratification vote.

CN broke off talks earlier this week when it was presented with what it called “economically unrealistic demands” from the union. The company also withdrew contract enhancements it had offered, such as signing and performance bonuses.

For the past two weeks, Today’s Trucking has reported how truckers are filling in for rail shippers desperate for more efficient transportation services during the strike. While some carriers welcome the increased business, others claim the strike has resulted in more chaos than freight volume, adding limited drivers prevents many carriers from taking on too many new clients. Check out Today’s Trucking’s upcoming April issue for more on the subject.