CN Rail says union rejected 10% pay increase over three years
CN Rail signals and communications employees across Canada continue to walk the picket lines as the strike reaches Day 4.
In Sudbury, Ont., picketers have been rotating around railway crossings in the Nickel City each day since Monday after about 750 workers -- who maintain train crossings, signals and inspection equipment -- walked off the job Saturday.
Chris Nadon, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 2052 president, told CTV News 72 employees are affected in northern Ontario, with 25 in the Sudbury area alone.
In a letter to workers dated June 20, CN detailed the latest offer rejected by the union saying, "we have been in negotiations with the union since October 2021. CN has approached this round of bargaining with the objective of improving wages, benefits, and work rules, and ensuring the safety of our employees. We have met or exceeded every one of the Union’s demands in an effort to reach an agreement prior to the strike deadline."
It says the offer included:
- 10 per cent improvement to wages over three years
- More paramedical benefits and mental health support in addition to increased flexibility to select a
- plan that best suits individual needs
- An increase in meal per diems
- Double the mileage reimbursements when you travel for business
But Nadon told CTV News that wage increase offer is not entirely accurate.
"The wage increases last offered is 8 per cent over three years with a 2 per cent signing bonus based on wages," Nadon told CTV News in an email.
CN also said it agreed to several of the union's demands including:
- Better scheduling, which will ensure two consecutive days off
- Increase in the all-inclusive expense allowance
- Overtime procedures now based on seniority
- New classification for "work gangs" that will include incentives and an implementation process
Nadon said while many members live in northern Ontario, they work "on the road" and stay in hotels during their work cycles.
The picketing began on Monday in the Greater Sudbury community of Capreol.
On Tuesday, more than a dozen picketers stood on either side of Barrydowne Road near the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 4075 office holding signs.
"We also received a visit from CUPE who brought some food for us and offered the use of their facilities while we picketed," Nadon said.
Wednesday, the picket line was set up at the railway crossing on Notre Dame Avenue in the Flour Mill.
On Thursday, they will be back on Barrydowne Road.
The railway said normal operations are continuing safely using its contingency plan and can maintain normal operations for as long as required.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.