CP train crews reject new pact

The union representing Canadian Pacific train crews met again with the railroad after membership voted to reject a one-year contract proposal.

The Calgary-based railroad in a statement said it was disappointed in the failed ratification vote to renew the current contract but would continue to try to reach an agreement.

Teamsters Canada Rail Conference said that of the 1,725 members who voted on the contract renewal, 1,158 said no to the proposal. The union represents approximately 3,000 Canadian conductors and engineers at CP Rail.

“We look forward to working with the union membership to better understand this result and to discuss next steps,” said CP Chief Executive Keith Creel. “We remain optimistic that we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement.”

“We remain optimistic that we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement with the TCRC–T&E – an agreement that meets the needs of our Canadian conductors and engineers as well as our customers and shareholders,” Creel said.

The railroad said it met with union leadership Nov. 2 to discuss the vote, but neither side commented on the results of that meeting.

“The TCRC is assessing the entire situation and consistent with the [Canadian] Labor Code will be contacting CP to begin the bargaining process,” said Teamsters President Douglas Finnson.