Contract negotiations between Unifor and VIA Rail have collapsed after a week of bargaining in Montreal, raising the prospect of a nationwide passenger rail strike that could begin June 22.
The breakdown affects 2,500 VIA Rail workers represented by Unifor Council 4000 and Local 100, who will be in a legal strike position at 12:01 a.m. EST on June 22 following the end of the federal conciliation period on May 31.
“We didn’t come to the table looking for a dispute—we came to get a deal,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “But VIA Rail’s refusal to take our demands seriously has left us with no other choice. If they’re not willing to fix what’s broken, they’re forcing this dispute onto workers and passengers alike.”
Key issues remain unresolved
Union officials say VIA Rail refused to address what they describe as a crisis in the On-Board Services spare board system. Workers on these boards are experiencing chronic short hours and reduced pay due to what the union calls employer mismanagement, with many unable to earn a living wage.
“These negotiations were about fairness, respect, and stability for our members,” said Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier. “We came ready to make a deal that addressed the real issues workers face every day. It’s disappointing that the employer walked away from that opportunity.”
The union says VIA Rail refused to back down from key concessions during the latest round of talks.
Return to bargaining table planned
Both parties are scheduled to return to negotiations on June 17, with bargaining continuing until the strike deadline. The union says it remains prepared to find solutions but is ready for a national labor dispute if no agreement is reached.
Council 4000 represents 1,800 VIA Rail employees working in station services, headquarters, maintenance centres and aboard trains. Local 100 represents 700 employees working as diesel engine mechanics, electricians, railcar technicians and general workers.
A potential strike would affect VIA Rail’s passenger service across Canada, including the popular Toronto-Montreal-Ottawa corridor that serves millions of travelers annually.
VIA Rail has not yet responded to requests for comment on the breakdown in negotiations.
About the union
Unifor represents 320,000 workers across Canada’s private sector and describes itself as the country’s largest private sector union.
