17 April 2007
CP Rail Backs Off from Talks with TCRC
Negotiations between CP Rail and the Teamsters Canada Rail
Conference Maintenance of Way Employees Division (TCRC MWED) broke down on 30 Mar 2007 in Montreal.
Talks were tentatively scheduled to resume on 16 Apr 2007 in Calgary but the company has backed away.
"On 11 Apr 2007, the company suggested the 16th to the 19th in Calgary and we responded to say that we were
available and to let us know a location." William Brehl President of the TCRC MWED said.
"The company then responded with second thoughts about meeting and committed to meeting only if the government mediators, who were
released on 2 Apr 2007, thought it would be a good idea. At this point we have not heard back. Though both parties are
presently committed to their positions, we do not believe that a negotiated solution can be found if there is no dialogue."
The TCRC MWED's contract expired on 31 Dec 2006 and the parties have completed the mandatory 60 day conciliation period
without coming to agreement. They are now in the 21 day "cooling off" period prior to being in position to serve 72 hour
strike/lockout notice.
The Union has put out a secret strike vote which will be completed on 17 Apr 2007. If the mandate is in favour of a work
stoppage, it could put the Union on strike as early as 25 Apr 2007.
Though negotiations may continue during the "cooling off" period, the Union states that the company has not been receptive.
"The Teamsters want a negotiated settlement. We do not want the government to have to step in. We do not want to disrupt the
country. We believe that a negotiated settlement is possible, but only if the parties sit down and talk. However, that is obviously not
the company's wish, so we will be governed accordingly." Brehl said earlier today.
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