CAW Opens Negotiations with CP Rail

CALGARY, Sept. 17 /CNW/ - The Canadian Auto Workers union (CAW Canada) officially opened collective bargaining negotiations with CP Rail on September 16 in Calgary, Alberta. The current collective agreement is set to expire on December 31, 2010. 

CAW President Ken Lewenza said that negotiating in tough economic times is always challenging, but believes CP Rail has weathered the storm well, including making improvements to productivity.

"Our members absolutely deserve a deal that is fair and equitable and makes progress in wages, benefits and job security," Lewenza said. "The significant concessionary demands tabled by the corporation yesterday signal this will be a difficult round of negotiations, but with the full support of our bargaining committee and the membership we will secure a solid collective agreement."

CAW Local 100 President Tom Murphy said members are focused on improving job security as well as making reasonable wages and benefit gains. 

"It has been made clear to us that the company is looking for significant concessions from our members as well as rule changes in this agreement," Murphy said.

"We are determined to bargain an agreement that recognizes the full value of our members' work and one that credits them for keeping the company viable during severe economic times."

CAW represents 2,200 shopcraft workers at CP Rail across Canada.

For further information:

CAW Local 100 President Tom Murphy, [phone]; or CAW Communications Angelo DiCaro [phone]