CN workers to begin rotating strikes

[Omaha Steve]

Source: National Post (Canada)

CN workers to begin rotating strikes
80% reject contract
Scott Deveau, National Post
Published: Wednesday, April 11, 2007

TORONTO - Thousands of Canadian National Railway Co. employees are expected to begin rotating strikes today after overwhelmingly rejecting a one-year contract that would have put an end to the railway's protracted labour dispute with its conductors, brakemen and switch crews.

Of the 2,800 union members eligible to vote, nearly 80% of the ballots cast opposed the contract. The final tally was 1,553 against and 402 in favour, with more than 360 spoiled ballots.

Strikes are expected to begin in Vancouver, Kamloops, B.C., and other locations across the country this evening.

he second work stoppage of the year by members of the United Transportation Union (UTU) will exacerbate a difficult year for Canada's largest railway, which has already been plagued by harsh winter weather and avalanches.

The strike involves freight service only and will not affect passenger trains across the country or GO Trains in the Greater Toronto Area, union officials said.

Read more: http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/story.html?id=a4a369bb-a654-4732-8a6f-93fde8aac046

[azmesa207]

1. Old Rail

I wish them luck as a Retired locomotive Engineer I know what they have to endure working On a railroad

[Dr.Phool]

2. Retired Engineer here. And local union official.

At least they're allowed to strike up there.

In the U.S., we're governed under the Railway Labor Act, and aren't allowed to strike for years, if at all.