Ottawa, Ontario, July 26, 2009 - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Labour, today welcomed the agreement reached between VIA Rail Canada Inc. and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference to end the current work stoppage.
“I congratulate both parties for their commitment to finding a solution to their differences,” said Minister Ambrose. “Both parties have agreed that remaining issues will be resolved through an arbitration process which immediately brings an end to this work stoppage”.
The collective agreement covers a unit of 350 running trades’ locomotive engineers, conductors, assistant conductors and yardmasters. The previous agreement between the parties had expired on December 31, 2006.
“I want to thank both parties for making these extra efforts,” said Minister Ambrose. “This agreement will help Canadian families, many of whom depend on Via Rail service, and the national economy at this time of year when tourism is at its peak .I also want to thank the federally-appointed mediator for his valuable work in assisting the two parties in reaching this agreement.”
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This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Jonah Mozeson
Director of Communications
Office of Minister Ambrose
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
