CN workers set a strike date

Unless last-ditch negotiations by federal negotiators produce a settlement, the Canadian Auto Workers Union says its members at Canadian National Railway will be looking to strike this coming Wednesday.

The CAW represents more than 5,000 workers who repair, maintain and inspect CN cars and locomotives, as well as customer service, intermodal yard and clerical employees throughout the CN system in North America. CN says that management will continue the duties of the CAW workers if a strike is to occur.

A CAW representative said CN offered CAW workers a three-year contract with wage increases of 2% a year, starting Jan. 1. The CAW wants the same wage increases over three years, but also a 7% payment up front, he said.

CN in a statement said “it believes it can reach a contract settlement with the Canadian Auto Workers without labor disruption” and would be entering the weekend negotiations. Federal mediation does not take away the right of the union to strike or the company to impose a lockout.