Ottawa, Ontario, May 23, 2012 — The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Labour Minister, today announced that the federal government has put the Restoring Rail Service Act on notice to end the current Canadian Pacific Railway work stoppage involving the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC).
“We are concerned that the work stoppage at Canadian Pacific Railway will have a negative impact on the Canadian economy and put the jobs of thousands of other Canadians at risk if it is prolonged,” said Minister Raitt. “That is why our Government has put a bill on notice to ensure that we are ready to act to protect Canada's economy.”
The TCRC represents approximately 220 rail traffic controllers and 4 200 locomotive engineers, conductors, trainpersons and yardmen, whose collective agreements expired on December 31, 2011. Conciliation officers from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service remain available to assist the parties in their negotiations.
“The best solution is always the one that the parties reach themselves,” said Minister Raitt. “We strongly urge the parties to get back to the negotiating table and reach an agreement.”
The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service provides dispute resolution and preventive mediation assistance to trade unions and employers under the jurisdiction of the Canada Labour Code.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Ashley Kelahear
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Raitt
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and
Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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