Teamsters Appeal Binding Arbitration Order
August 30th 2024 - Toronto
The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (Teamsters) filed appeals challenging the decisions that led to binding arbitration being imposed on workers at CN and CPKC, effectively stripping them of their right to collectively bargain.
"These decisions, if left unchallenged, set a dangerous precedent where a single politician can bust a union at will. The right to collectively bargain is a constitutional guarantee. Without it, unions lose leverage to negotiate better wages and safer working conditions for all Canadians. We are confident that the law is on our side, and that workers will have their voices heard," said Paul Boucher, President, Teamsters Canada Rail Conference.
The union has filed four separate appeals with the Federal Court of Appeal, challenging the Minister's referrals and the CIRB’s decisions at both CN and CPKC. The appeals argue, among other things, that workers' Charter rights were violated.
The union has requested that the court expedite these proceedings. Copies of the applications are attached.
- TCRC and His Majesty the King (Minister of Labour) - Notice of Application with Submission Confirmation - CPKC.
- TCRC and CN Rail and CPKC Rail - Notice of Application with Submission Confirmation - CPKC
- TCRC and His Majesty the King (Minister of Labour) - Notice of Application with Submission Confirmation - CN
- TCRC and CN Rail and CPKC Rail - Notice of Application with Submission Confirmation - CN
Teamsters represent close to 10,000 workers at CN and CPKC.
At over 130,000 members, Teamsters Canada is the country’s largest transportation and supply chain union. It’s also the largest union in the federally regulated private sector. They are affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents over 1.2 million workers in North America.
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Media requests:
Christopher Monette
Director of Public Affairs
Teamsters Canada
Cell. : 514-226-6002
cmonette@teamsters.ca