The Canadian National Railway (CN) and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) have recently reached a new collective agreement for 2018, following months of negotiation and dispute. The agreement covers approximately 3,000 conductors, yard workers, and trainmen employed by CN.
The new agreement comes as a relief to both parties involved, as it addresses a number of long-standing issues related to training, scheduling, working conditions, and compensation for workers. Among the key provisions of the agreement are improvements in working conditions, wage increases, and better job security.
One of the most significant changes in the new agreement is the introduction of new training programs for conductors and trainmen. Under the previous agreement, CN was not required to provide any formal training to its conductors or trainmen, leading to concerns about safety and the quality of work. The new agreement mandates that CN provide training to all new hires, as well as ongoing training for all employees.
Another important change in the new agreement is the introduction of a new scheduling system. Under the previous system, workers were often required to work long hours, with little regard for their personal lives or health. The new system will provide more time off, and will give workers more control over their schedules.
One of the most contentious issues during the negotiations was compensation. The new agreement provides for wage increases for all employees, as well as better protection for workers who are forced to work overtime or on weekends. The agreement also includes provisions for better job security, with CN committing to refrain from layoffs during the term of the agreement.
Overall, the new collective agreement between the CN and TCRC is a positive step forward for both workers and management. By addressing long-standing concerns about training, scheduling, working conditions, and compensation, the agreement sets the stage for a more productive and harmonious relationship between the two parties.