VIA Rail workers have voted in favour of strike action, with 97.5 per cent supporting a strike mandate as contract negotiations remain stalled over what the union calls employer concessions and delay tactics.
The vote by more than 2,500 workers represented by Unifor Council 4000 and Local 100 reflects growing frustration with VIA Rail’s approach at the bargaining table, union officials said Monday.
“This strike vote is not just a number — it’s a direct response to VIA Rail’s refusal to bargain fairly,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Our members have shown they are united, determined, and ready to take action to protect good jobs and public rail service.”
The union said VIA Rail continues to push major concessions despite repeated calls to remove them from negotiations. The employer has also failed to respond to monetary proposals tabled by the union in early May, according to Unifor.
Talks are scheduled to resume Monday under the federal conciliation process. The conciliation period ends May 31, followed by a mandatory 21-day cooling-off period that would put Unifor in a legal strike position as of June 22.
“Our goal is a fair agreement—not a strike,” said Unifor Quebec Director. “But VIA Rail must understand that our members will not accept concessions and delay tactics. The time to reach a deal is now.”
The affected employees include on-board service staff, maintenance crews, customer service agents, skilled trades workers and administrative employees across VIA Rail’s operations.
Council 4000 represents 1,800 workers in stations, call centres, administrative offices and on-board service roles, while Local 100 represents 700 skilled trades and mechanical workers.
Unifor represents 320,000 workers across Canada’s private sector and describes itself as the country’s largest private-sector union.
