Bargaining with CN begins in Montreal

MONTREAL, Oct. 5, 2018 /CNW/ - Bargaining for a new collective agreement began this morning in Montreal between Unifor and CN.

"Our members are frustrated to see more and more repair and overhaul work, that they have historically done ending up being contracted out, so we have to address that and we have to see improved benefits," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President.

Unifor represents 2100 workers at Local 100 who work at CN across Canada.

Both sides exchanged proposals and have several dates booked to begin negotiations. The last collective agreement expires on December 31, 2018.

"The bulk of our members are between 20 and 41, and they have young families, which is why benefits are so important," said Terry McKimm, President of Local 100.

"The goal of these negotiations is to make gains in benefits and wages that address the needs of our members who work hard to make CN the very profitable company it has become," said Renaud Gagné, Quebec Director.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor