IBEW First District Stands in Full Support of System Council No. 11 Members at CPKC
IBEW Canada International Vice President Russ Shewchuk issued the following statement in support of IBEW System Council No. 11 members as they continue their efforts to secure a fair collective agreement through negotiations with Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC).
“The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) First District (Canada) stands in full support of the nearly 300 members of IBEW System Council No. 11employed by Canadian Pacific Kansas City who commenced lawful strike action on May 31.
“These members perform highly skilled, safety-sensitive work maintaining the signals and communications systems that help keep Canada’s rail network operating safely 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Their specialized training and technical expertise must be recognized to attract and retain skilled railway professionals.
“IBEW System Council No. 11 members delivered a strong strike mandate after months of negotiations failed to produce meaningful progress on key issues. The union remained committed to reaching a negotiated agreement that addresses wages and the growing gap between compensation and industry standards for these specialized workers.
“We are disappointed by CPKC’s public characterization of the bargaining process. The company has repeatedly stated that it has been bargaining in good faith while simultaneously calling for binding arbitration. Good faith bargaining requires more than maintaining the status quo and asking a third party to settle unresolved issues. Arbitration must not become a shortcut.
“Collective bargaining is a fundamental right. It succeeds when both parties dedicate the time and effort required to reach a fair agreement. The intent of Bill C-58 is to strengthen that process by encouraging negotiated settlements and meaningful dialogue between employers and workers.
“The IBEW First District stands in solidarity with System Council No. 11 throughout this dispute. These members deserve an agreement that reflects their skills, their expertise, and the value they bring to Canada’s transportation network.
“System Council No. 11 remains ready to meet. We encourage CPKC to return to the table and work toward a negotiated agreement.”
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The IBEW First District (Canada) represents over 70,000 active members in Canada who work in a wide variety of fields, including construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government.
IBEW System Council 11 represents more than 1,400 highly skilled signal and communications employees responsible for installing, maintaining, testing, and repairing the systems that keep Canada’s rail network operating safely 24 hours a day, seven days a week.