Locomotive Engineers Offer Possible Solution to End Strike at Canadian
National Railways - "CN must accept their responsibility in this situation as
well..."

MONTREAL , Nov. 29 /CNW Telbec/ - Late last night, Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) offered a possible solution to Canadian National Railway (CN) to resolve the present impasse between the parties.

The solution offered to CN by the TCRC, through the Federal Mediators, was to submit the wage portion of the dispute to final and binding arbitration upon successful resolution of the other outstanding issues.

"CN must accept their responsibility in this dispute as well" said Daniel J. Shewchuk, President of Teamsters Rail Conference (TCRC), which represents the 1700 striking locomotive engineers at CN. "We do not feel our position on wages is excessive as they are in line with what CN has negotiated with other Unions. Nevertheless, in an effort to move the process forward we indicated that we are prepared to submit the issue of wage increases to final and binding arbitration."

This morning CN declined the TCRC's offer to return to the table and indicated that final and binding arbitration was the only solution. "We continue to offer solutions but are extremely disappointed that CN's focus is to have all issues handled through final and binding arbitration without having to negotiate." said Shewchuk.

Teamsters Canada Rail Conference represents 12,000 railway workers with major railroads and shortline railroads across Canada and affiliated with the 125,000 members in Teamsters Canada and 1.4 million members in North America with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

For further information: Daniel J. Shewchuk, President, Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, [phone], www.teamstersrail.ca, www.teamsters.ca/en/news/1318/