Union Threatens Strike Over CPKC Job Cuts and Disruptions

The union representing CPKC conductors is considering a strike after recent job cuts and seniority violations on the former KCS network caused by ongoing service disruptions. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

SMART-TD Local 457 has begun polling members on whether to authorize a strike, and results are expected today. General Chairman Samuel Habjan confirmed the vote but declined to predict the outcome.

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An email from Local 781 accuses CPKC of using a system crisis to cut jobs and slash hours. The message highlights workforce reductions after CPKC transitioned to its internal software in May.

Before the switch, the railroad already faced a shortage of personnel. Service quality further declined after the cutover, which affected several key routes on the former KCS network.

Strike Vote Follows Job Cuts and Seniority Violations

Union members blame Precision Scheduled Railroading policies and aggressive cost-cutting for the instability. They claim these practices prioritize efficiency at the expense of experienced staff.

In early July, SMART-TD agreed to let CPKC borrow crews from other divisions to cover gaps. But instead of relief, CPKC cut half the yard jobs in Shreveport and gave work to outside crews.

These changes placed temporary workers on separate boards, pushing aside local employees from KCS and Louisiana & Arkansas Railway. Union officials say this directly violated seniority rules.

Seniority determines job selection and promotion for railroad workers. Disregarding these rights sparked widespread anger among the long-serving workforce.

Service Crisis and Strike Risk Raise Pressure on CPKC

The 2023 CPKC-KCS merger created the first single-line rail link across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. However, integration problems have caused major delays for shippers.

Some chemical producers in Louisiana moved freight to trucks because railcar locations became untraceable. CPKC even resorted to manual tracking in some areas.

The Surface Transportation Board requested updates on recovery plans. In its July 11 report, CPKC said performance improved slightly but admitted delays and yard congestion remain.

CPKC has not commented publicly on the strike threat. The union, however, warns that continued disregard for workers’ rights may escalate the situation further.

Source: www.trains.com

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