CMQR Integration
CIRB Decision Backs TCRC Position on CMQR Integration and Work Jurisdiction
April 29, 2026
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
We are pleased to inform you of the recent decision issued by
the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) regarding bargaining rights
and employment relations between Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway
(CPKC), Central Maine & Québec Railway Canada Inc. (CMQR), Teamsters
Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), and TC Local 1976 USW.
The Board reviewed the situation following CPKC's reacquisition
of CMQR and determined that a sale of business had occurred, with CPKC
and CMQR operating under common control and direction. The Board found
that consolidating running trades employees into a single bargaining unit
would serve sound labour relations and promote stability.
Importantly, the Board highlighted that the TCRC collective
agreement provides better salaries and conditions for running trades
employees compared to the USW agreement at CMQR. Specifically, wage rates
at CMQR are generally lower than those in the TCRC agreement, and TCRC
members benefit from additional allowances and improved working
conditions. The Board also noted that employee rights based on seniority,
such as promotion, transfers, and protection from layoffs, are more
significant in a large, national bargaining unit like TCRC’s, rather than
a small local unit. TCRC members have access to greater opportunities for
advancement and mobility and will benefit from harmonized and more
favorable conditions.
The Board’s decision supports the inclusion of CMQR running
trades employees in the TCRC national bargaining unit. The parties are
invited to negotiate and define the new bargaining unit structure by May
29, 2026. TCRC is required to provide a status update to the Board by
that date, identifying any unresolved issues.
In summary, this decision is an important step toward protecting
workers’ rights, promoting better working conditions, and ensuring
stability in industrial relations. We will continue to keep you updated
as negotiations progress and as new developments arise.