Unifor Local 100 and Council 4000 have begun contract negotiations with CN Rail, representing over 3,600 workers across Canada. The union’s bargaining priorities include pension improvements, wage increases, and the protection of job ownership in the face of advancing technology.
The talks come as CN Rail reports record profits, with Unifor aiming to secure substantial gains for its members. “Our members at CN Rail go above and beyond to make sure the trains operate and cargo moves across the country,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Unifor and our members know how to fight, and we expect to win important improvements for rail workers in this round of bargaining.”
A central focus of the negotiations is the pension plan, which Unifor says has not seen enhancements in over two decades. The union is also prioritizing the protection of job security, particularly as technological advancements threaten to eliminate positions.
“Our committees are committed to ensuring that the employer understands the need for real improvements to wages, benefits, and pensions—some of which have gone unchanged for over 20 years,” the union stated. In addition to economic gains, Unifor is pushing for improved work-life balance and other quality-of-life issues for its members.
The current collective agreement is set to expire on December 31, 2024.
Unifor represents a broad spectrum of workers at CN, including rail car technicians, heavy-duty mechanics, crane operators, machinists, and clerical staff, among others.
Unifor is Canada’s largest private sector union, representing 320,000 workers across the economy.