Strike deadline extended at Via Rail as talks continue
Posted July 10, 2022 10:33 pm.
Last Updated July 10, 2022 10:46 pm.
The union representing Via Rail employees has extended its strike deadline as talks aimed at reaching an agreement continue in Montreal.
Almost 2,400 maintenance workers, on-board service personnel, chefs, sales agents and customer service staff were set to walk off the job at midnight, however, Unifor announced the deadline has been extended until 4 p.m. ET Monday.
“We remain hopeful that a deal can be reached,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer in a statement about a half hour before the deadline was set to expire. “Our bargaining committees have been steadfast in wanting to achieve a deal that respects and values their work.”
One of the main issues in the dispute is job security, with Unifor claiming the company “continues to push concessions and not work towards a fair and equitable collective agreement.”
Via Rail has said a strike would be a major disruption for passengers and communities across the country, especially since the rail network had resumed nearly all of its services following several years of pandemic restrictions.
If there is a walkout, Via has said all services would be suspended for the duration of the strike and until normal operations can safely resume.
