OTTAWA, ONTARIO, November 30, 2009- Today, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Labour, will introduce a Bill entitled "An Act to provide for the resumption and continuation of railway operations" to end the current strike affecting CN Rail operations.
The Labour Minister expressed her concern that the talks over the weekend between CN and the TCRC had not produced an agreement that would have brought a quick end to the strike.
"My preference has always been for the two sides to resolve their own labour dispute but since this has proven impossible, our Government must act to protect the public interest. We cannot allow a major disruption of our transportation system. CN is a vital component of Canada's economic infrastructure and we will do what is necessary to protect Canadians' jobs and the country's prosperity," said Minister Ambrose. "We will not impose a settlement on the employer and union, but we will introduce legislation to end the strike," added Minister Ambrose.
The strike began early Saturday and has prompted concern about economic disruption across the country. Federal mediators have been working with the employer and union for many months and spent the weekend in last-ditch efforts to find a formula that would allow for the resumption of full rail service, but to no avail.
"This is more than a private dispute between CN Rail and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference. It has serious repercussions for the national economy at a time when Canada's recovery from the global recession is still fragile," concluded Minister Ambrose.
The Minister calls on all parties in Parliament to support quick passage of this legislation.
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