Ottawa, Ontario, May 20, 2012—The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Labour Minister, today received strike notices from the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), which represents traffic controllers and running trades employees, effective May 23, 2012 at 12:01 a.m. The Government is concerned that a work stoppage is being considered and is taking this situation very seriously.
“I continue to encourage the Canadian Pacific Railway and the TCRC to either reach a deal or agree to submit to a binding process to settle their dispute and avoid a work stoppage,” said Minister Raitt. “A disruption of rail services would have a significantly negative impact on businesses and our national 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 Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service was established to provide dispute resolution and prevention 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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