OTTAWA, ONTARIO, February 14, 2011-Today, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada's Minister of Labour, congratulated the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) and the National Automobile, Aerospace, Transportation and General Workers Union of Canada (CAW-Canada) for successfully reaching new collective agreements that will ensure continued service to railway users.
"I applaud CN and CAW-Canada for reaching negotiated agreements without interruption to services," said Minister Raitt. "Strong labour-management relations contribute to our country's economic prosperity and the economic security of Canadians."
The collective agreements, covering nearly 4 000 employees, expired on December 31, 2010. The dispute was settled with the assistance of mediators from the Labour Program's Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. The parties will now be able to move forward and, by working together, create a constructive labour relations environment within CN.
The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service was established to provide dispute resolution and dispute prevention assistance to trade unions and employers under the jurisdiction of the Canada Labour Code. Mediation aims to achieve a collective agreement and avoid a work stoppage.
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This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Ashley Kelahear
Special Assistant
Office of Minister Raitt
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources
and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
