Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Ltd. is preparing for the possibility of a strike by some 3,300 workers next month, as the clock ticks toward a negotiation deadline. “The way I see it, the positions have not changed a lot,” chief executive Keith Creel said last week. “Obviously hope for the best, but you have to make sure you plan for the worst as well.”
With 6,000 workers at rival Canadian National Railway (CN) Co. in talks with their employer as well, the possibility of work stoppages at two rail companies looms this spring, which combined could grind virtually all freight rail traffic in Canada to a halt.
In February, CPKC and CN asked the federal labor minister to appoint a conciliator for the bargaining process over a new collective agreement for train conductors, engineers and yard workers. The notice of dispute started the clock on a possible strike or lockout, which could occur as soon as May 22.
Meanwhile, tense talks between Montreal port employers and the union representing some 1,200 dockworkers have stirred up more fears of yet another possible strike this spring. Longshore workers rejected an offer by management earlier this week, voting more than 99.5% against the would-be deal.
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