Air travel has been something of a mess in Canada lately. Gas prices and a lack of rental cars have stymied some would-be travellers, as well. Now, there could be a VIA Rail strike.
In a note posted on the Unifor workers web site, union officials with Council 4000 and Local 100 said they resumed negotiations with VIA Rail last week in Montreal.
“Unfortunately, talks have not progressed in the way we had hoped. In consultation with the National Union, both Council 4000 and Local 100 issued strike notice to VIA Rail,” Unifor officials said.
“It is required by law, to ensure that our strike deadline of Monday, July 11 at 00:01 hours ET is in place. This means that we will either have a collective agreement, subject to ratification, or we will be on strike as of that time.
“The membership voted 99.4% in favour of strike action at Local 100 and 99.3 % in favour of strike action from Council 4000 members. These results put the employer on notice that we are all in and ready to fight for our members.
“Issuing strike notice is a serious step, demonstrating the bargaining committee’s solid commitment to reaching a settlement on behalf of our members,” the note said.
VIA Rail has the following notice on its site:
“Please be advised that the Union representing some 2,400 VIA Rail employees has issued a strike notice to take effect July 11, at 12:01 a.m. (ET) should no agreement be reached by that time. It’s important to point out that the talks continue with the support of conciliators and VIA Rail is working hard to reach an agreement before the deadline.
“VIA Rail will keep passengers informed of any potential disruption in service.”
