Unifor Local 101R has begun bargaining negotiations with Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) this week, aiming to address longstanding issues related to work conditions and labour relations for rail workers across 17 CPKC workplaces in Canada. The discussions come amid growing concerns over contracting practices, forced overtime, and policies affecting employees’ work-life balance.
Lana Payne, Unifor’s National President, highlighted the union’s priorities as it enters negotiations. “Work ownership, poor working conditions, and strained labour relations continue to present barriers to creating a respectful and productive work environment for our members,” Payne said. She emphasized that resolving these issues is essential for both the well-being of employees and CPKC’s future operations.
With a membership of about 1,200 workers at CPKC, Unifor Local 101R represents a diverse group of rail industry employees, including mechanics, labourers, and service attendants who are responsible for the maintenance and repair of locomotives and railcars. According to Payne, improving working conditions and reducing excessive overtime are critical to restoring morale and recognising the contributions of these workers.
The union has signalled its commitment to reaching a fair agreement that not only benefits its members but also contributes to the stability of Canada’s rail sector. Unifor Local 101R’s concerns extend to the impact that contracting out and inflexible company policies have on the workforce, particularly in relation to work-life balance.
Unifor, Canada’s largest private-sector union, represents 320,000 workers across various industries. The union has emphasized its role in advocating for equitable work practices and improved conditions for its members, with Payne underscoring the importance of collaboration in this round of negotiations. “Our goal is to work collaboratively with CPKC to resolve these issues in a way that restores employee morale and respects the critical contributions our members make every day,” she said.