National Rail Disruption Looms as VIA Rail Faces Strike Threat

Contract negotiations between VIA Rail and Unifor have collapsed, and the looming strike could seriously disrupt passenger train services across Canada later this month if no deal is reached soon. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

After a week of intense talks in Montreal, both parties walked away without an agreement. VIA Rail and Unifor’s Council 4000 and Local 100 remain deadlocked as the cooling-off period advances.

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The federally mandated conciliation phase ended on May 31. Unless a breakthrough happens, Unifor may legally initiate a strike starting June 22, heightening concerns among travelers and stakeholders.

Talks will resume on June 17. Unifor confirmed that its members overwhelmingly supported strike action in a recent vote, adding pressure on VIA Rail to resolve the dispute.

One of the union’s major grievances centers on the mismanagement of spare boards for onboard service workers. Unifor claims this leads to reduced hours and earnings for many employees.

Unifor Council 4000 represents 1,800 VIA Rail staff in stations, maintenance centers, headquarters, and onboard roles. Local 100 covers 700 workers, including diesel mechanics and technicians.

Strike Vote Reflects Growing Frustration Among VIA Workers

Unifor argues that the employer’s failure to address core workforce concerns has left no option but to prepare for a strike. The union insists its members deserve fair compensation and predictable hours.

VIA Rail has not yet issued a formal statement about the negotiation breakdown. But the company remains under pressure to avoid nationwide service interruptions that could affect thousands of passengers.

Last-Minute Talks Aim to Prevent Costly Rail Strike

With the cooling-off window closing, the next round of talks may be the last opportunity to avert a full-scale strike. Both sides are expected to negotiate up to the final deadline.

If no agreement is reached, VIA Rail’s national network could face widespread delays and cancellations, especially during peak summer travel. Travelers are urged to monitor updates closely.

Source: www.progressiverailroading.com

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