CN workers extend strike deadline; still poised to picket

MONTREAL, (Jan. 22, 2004) — Truckers who use Canadian National’s intermodal services may be slowed down by picketers tomorrow morning as about 6,000 of the company’s workers are poised to walk off the job if a new labour contract can’t be reached.

Thee Canadian Auto Workers union — which represents CN’s shopcraft, intermodal yard, and clerical employees across Canada — agreed to extend a strike deadline until tomorrow morning as bargaining talks mainly over wages and pensions continue. Originally the union had set a deadline of midnight this morning after 90 per cent of members voted for strike action last week. The workers entered into a legal strike position when their three-year contract expired on Dec. 31.

CN spokesperson Mark Hallman told Today’s Trucking said he’s optimistic a settlement could be reached before tomorrow. However, he said he would not discuss the union’s demands. “Our policy is not to negotiate through the media,” he said.

Hallman said in the event of a labour disruption, CN has well-developed contingency plans to maintain freight operations. Moreover, VIA Rail and commuter traffic that uses the CN rail system would not be affected either, he said.