VIA Rail Union Issues Strike Notice, Deadline Is Noon Friday
Posted July 21, 2009 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VIA Rail workers could walk off the job at noon Friday if a deal isn’t struck. Negotitions are ongoing. A strike would mean all VIA trains would be cancelled, with no alternative transportation provided. The following release was posted on the VIA website:
MONTREAL – VIA Rail Canada has announced that its representatives are currently negotiating with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference union, which represents some 340 locomotive engineers. Earlier today, the union gave notice to the Corporation of its intent to go on strike on Friday, July 24, 2009 at noon Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
A federal mediator has been appointed to assist the parties in the negotiation process.
VIA remains hopeful that an agreement will be reached before the set deadline. Unfortunately though, VIA has no choice but to begin to cancel certain departures of long-distance trains to ensure that passengers will not be stranded en-route in the event of a strike.
In general, VIA will ensure that passengers departing prior to noon (EDT) this Friday are transported to destination, either by train or by alternate means.
After noon EDT this Friday, all VIA trains will be cancelled, until a settlement is reached. No alternate transportation will be provided. Trains on the Sudbury-White River and Victoria-Courtenay routes will remain in service, as they are operated by third parties on VIA’s behalf.
Customers with individual inquiries concerning their travel plans are urged to visit viarail.ca, where information, including specific affected trains and any exceptions, will be updated regularly. Customers may also contact VIA at 888 VIA-RAIL (842-7245) or 800 268-9503 (hearing impaired).
VIA sincerely regrets any inconvenience that this situation may cause its customers.
