Calgary Alberta - Bargaining for a new collective agreement began this morning in Calgary between Unifor Local 101R and Canadian Pacific (CP).
 
"Our members are frustrated by heavy handed, unreasonable, discipline that breeds distrust on a daily basis, and creates financial hardship and stress for families," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President.
 
Unifor Local 101R represents 1,200 workers from British Columbia to Quebec, who service locomotives and freight cars, and produce track and freight car/locomotive components.
 
Both sides exchanged proposals today and have several dates booked to begin negotiations later this month.
 
The current collective agreement expires on 31 Dec 2018.
 
"Our members, through hard work, sweat, and tears have contributed to record profits at CP and we will be seeking fair wage gains in these negotiations," said Joel Kennedy, President of Unifor Local 101R.
 
The union is also concerned about contracting-out, and the need to revitalize, and re-invest in the Weston Back Shops in Winnipeg.
 
Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy.
 
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