CN freight slowed, but not halted as strike begins

MONTREAL, (Feb. 20, 2004) — Canadian National Railway put its contingency plan into gear today, as 5,000 CN technicians, clerical staff and intermodal yard workers hit picket lines after last-ditch negotiations between the company and the Canadian Auto Workers union ended without agreement.

While it’s warning shippers of some delays, CN says it is continuing its normal operations — including intermodal service — by using management personnel to keep freight moving across the country.

Earlier this week, CAW members rejected tentative deals the union and CN agreed on back in January, and set a strike deadline for midnight this morning after 36 hours in talks broke off last night with “no agreement in sight.” The workers had been offered a three-year deal with annual wage increases of three per cent. The main issues still involve salary, but also working conditions, and disciplinary procedures, the CAW said.

CAW chief negotiator Gary Fane said the union is ready to resume meaningful negotiations at any time, although none are yet planned.

CN — one of North America’s largest railways — is a major shipper of grain, forest products, and minerals in Canada, and the U.S.

The railway is also in talks with six other unions representing about 8,500 employees, including locomotive engineers, conductors and signal technicians.

— with files from Canadian Press