CAW Members Vote Overwhelmingly in Favour of Strike at VIA Rail, If Needed

TORONTO, June 11 /CNW/ - CAW members who work at VIA Rail have voted more than 94 per cent in favour of strike action, if needed.

CAW members in Local 100 and National Council 4000 voted in a recent series of meetings across the country to support the VIA Master Bargaining Committee as they move towards a strike deadline of June 27 - at 11:59 p.m.

Further negotiations are scheduled for Monday, June 21 in Montreal and will continue until the deadline of Sunday, June 27th at midnight.

"The bargaining committee remains determined to reach a settlement without a dispute but the corporation's concession demands must be stopped," said CAW President Ken Lewenza.

"Our bargaining committee, supported by the strong membership strike vote, are fighting to protect hard fought gains from past negotiations and are determined to enhance the working lives of the membership through this round of collective bargaining," Lewenza said.

The CAW represents more than 2,000 workers at VIA in the on-train and clerical services, including ticket vendors and maintenance.

For further information: Bob Chernecki, assistant to the CAW President, cell, 416-543-7084