By Charles Lefebvre

Rail workers could be on strike tonight

May 29, 2018 | 11:40 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Approximately 300 Canadian Pacific Railway workers in Medicine Hat could be hitting the picket lines Tuesday night.

The strike deadline for members of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), which represents conductors and engineers, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) System Council No. 11, which represents signal workers, is at 8 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.

On Saturday, the two unions issued the strike notice, after overwhelmingly rejecting the latest offer from the company.

Christopher Monette, director of public affairs with Teamsters Canada, says the union will continue to negotiate ahead of the deadline.

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

Apr 18, 2024

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

Medicine Hat College holding event for missing and murdered Indigenous women awareness day

Apr 16, 2024

“The Teamsters continue to work hard to try and reach a fair and acceptable negotiated settlement with the company, something that our members can feel good about ratifying,” he said over the phone from Calgary Tuesday morning. “We’re going to continue working hard to do that, and we’re ready to stay at the bargaining table right up until the strike deadline and beyond.”

According to Monette, worker fatigue and CP’s disciplinary policy remain the major issues during negotiations.

On Saturday, CP released a statement, saying they “will continue to meet with the TCRC and the IBEW in the hopes of reaching agreements that are in the best interests of the entire CP family, its customers, shareholders and the broader North American economy.”

The company has also started its work stoppage contingency plan and says they’ll work with customers to ensure a “smooth, efficient and safe wind down of operations” in the event of a strike.

CHAT News has reached out to the company for any updates on the ongoing negotiations, and will add their response once we receive it.

As of 4 p.m., Monette says both sides remain far apart on a deal.

“The company has yet to come to us with a serious offer,” he said. “Until they do, the strike deadline for 8 o’clock Mountain Time is still on.

“But, like I said, we’re sincerely working to try and avoid getting to that point, and our hope is to reach a negotiated settlement.”