CPKC mechanics vote to strike if new contract not reached by end of January: union

Canada could be headed toward another rail strike, after Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway (CPKC) workers voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action Tuesday.

Unifor members of 101R at CPKC voted 99 per cent in support of job action, giving the go-ahead for the union to strike if a deal isn’t reached by by 12:01 a.m. EST on Jan. 29, 2025.

The union’s president says workers want, and deserve, a fair deal.

“This strike mandate shows the strength and determination of CPKC workers to achieve a fair deal,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Members are united in their demands for job security and work ownership, fair wages, and improved working conditions.

“CPKC workers play a critical role in Canada’s transportation network. Our union will stand firm to ensure their contributions are respected through an approved collective agreement,” said Payne.

Unifor says negotiations with CPKC are set to resume in Calgary from Jan. 24 to 29, where the union’s bargaining committee with continue efforts to get an agreement that “meets the needs of all members.”

The more than 1,200 Unifor Local 101R members work in mechanical shops, inspecting and maintaining CPKC’s fleet of trains and freight cars, ensuring the railway’s equipment is safe and operational.

Back in August, Canada’s two largest railway companies — CPKC and Canadian National Railway Co. (CN Rail) — dealt with a work stoppage that halted for trains four days. That work stoppage began after 9,300 workers were locked out following months of conversations that failed to lead to a new contract.

The strike ended after the federal government forced binding arbitration.

CN and CPKC haul a combined $1 billion in goods each day, according to the Railway Association of Canada.