/R E P E A T -- Media Advisory - Friday: Unifor to call for a new vision for passenger rail in Canada/

TORONTO, Nov. 27, 2013 /CNW/ - Unifor is calling for an overhaul of Canada's passenger rail system, and the introduction of a high speed rail service, as part of a new passenger rail policy paper being introduced on November 29, at a press conference downtown Toronto.

After years of government funding cuts at Via Rail, leading to service and employment reductions and a corresponding decline in ridership, Unifor is proposing a new vision for passenger rail in Canada, in advance of the 2014/2015 federal budget.

Press conference:

• When: November 29 at 10 a.m.
• Where: Sheraton Centre, 123 Queen Street West - Wentworth room, 2^nd floor (Richmond Tower)
• Who: Speaking will be:
• Unifor National President Jerry Dias
• Toronto City Councillor Adam Vaughan (Ward 20)
• Unifor Economist Jordan Brennan

For members of the media who are unable to attend, but who would like to participate, please call: English- 1-888-231-8191 ID: 15821505, French - [phone] ID: 15837146.

Unifor represents approximately 9,000 workers in the railway sector, including 2,100 at Via Rail. Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, with than 300,000 workers across Canada, founded on Labour Day weekend by the Canadian Auto Workers union (CAW) and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP).

SOURCE: Unifor the union

Unifor Communications Director Shannon Devine cell -416-302-1699 or Unifor Rail Sector Director Brian Stevens cell- 416-567-8281