CN Rail, Steelworkers union reach tentative deal

Negotiations were difficult, challenging: USW

CN Rail reached a tentative collective agreement with the United Steelworkers union, which covers about 3,000 employees.

On Dec. 8, USW’s local 2004 chapter, said it had negotiated a four-year contract with the national rail company for its maintenance workers, who inspect and repair track, bridges and infrastructure.

“Following very difficult and challenging negotiations over the last several weeks, we have reached a tentative agreement on a four-year contract,” said president of the chapter, Randy Koch. “This agreement includes improvements on key issues affecting the working and living standards of our members.”

Details of the new deal are forthcoming, but will not be released until all members of the bargaining unit have participated in the ratification vote. That could take at least a few weeks, according to the union, because its members are located all over the country.

The current agreement expires Dec. 31.

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