William Kaplan -
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19 July 2012

Labour Minister Appoints Arbitrator in the Canadian Pacific Railway Labour Disputes

Ottawa Ontario - The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada's Labour Minister, has today appointed Mr. William Kaplan as the arbitrator in the disputes between the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, representing bargaining units of approximately 220 rail traffic controllers, and 4,200 locomotive engineers, conductors, train persons, and yardmen.
 
"The appointment of an arbitrator is a key step in resolving these disputes," said Minister Raitt. "I urge the parties to work together and extend their full cooperation to Mr. Kaplan."
 
On 28 May 2012, the Government tabled Bill C-39, the Restoring Rail Service Act, to end the labour disputes between the parties, consequently protecting the economy from the harmful effects of a drawn-out work stoppage. As part of this legislation, which received Royal Assent on 31 May 2012, Mr. Kaplan has been appointed to resolve the parties' outstanding issues through an interest-based binding arbitration process. He must render his decision within 90 days of his appointment, unless an extension is provided by Canada's Labour Minister.
 
"Our government is focused on jobs, growth, and long-term prosperity," added Minister Raitt. "That is why we took decisive action to protect Canadian businesses and the economy."
 
Mr. Kaplan was suggested by both the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference. He is an experienced arbitrator and mediator who has helped numerous parties find resolution to their issues since 1989. Mr. Kaplan also worked for nearly 15 years as an assistant professor and professor at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Law.
 
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