26 February 2004

CN, union ordered to return to bargaining table

The following article is excerpted from the 26 February 2004 edition of “The Globe and Mail”.

Canadian National Railway Co. and the union representing 5,000 of its striking workers are resuming contract negotiations after disruptions plagued such CN clients as the auto industry.

The return to the bargaining table, announced yesterday, came on the sixth day of a nationwide strike by the Montreal-based railway's clerical, shopcraft and intermodal yard workers, who are represented by the Canadian Auto Workers.

"Federal mediators [yesterday] directed CN and the CAW to resume contract talks," said CN spokesman Mark Hallman. …

While Mr. Hallman refused comment on the talks, Mr. Rosner [of CAW] said a big issue is working conditions, especially disciplinary measures.

Meanwhile, Mr. Hallman said CN trains around the continent "continue to operate at near-normal levels."