YORKTON – Striking rail workers and supporters gathered on 5th Ave. South adjacent to a CPKC maintenance building Aug. 23.
Picket lines like it were set up across Canada as a result of the Teamster Canada Rail Conference's labour dispute with CN and CPKC.
"We're locked out," said Sam Doyle, Strike Captain and Local Chair Division 649 TCRC, in an interview with SaskToday.ca
Doyle said rail workers were waiting for a decision from the Canada Industrial Relations Board on Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon's recommendation to initiate section 107.
"The labour minister gave his decision yesterday (Aug. 22) to recommend section 107 to force binding arbitration," said Doyle.
"If that happens that would be incredibly disappointing. Any ability to negotiate a contract would be rendered useless in the future if we're going to be forced back to work without the ability to make a deal at the table," said Doyle.
On Aug. 24 CIRB ruled to allow the Federal Labour Minister to end job action in Canada’s rail sector and impose binding arbitration, according a release from the TCRC.
“This decision by the CIRB sets a dangerous precedent. It signals to Corporate Canada that large companies need only stop their operations for a few hours, inflict short-term economic pain and the federal government will step in to break a union. The rights of Canadian workers have been significantly diminished today,” said Paul Boucher, President of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, in the TCRC release.
Doyle said rail workers have reasonable demands.
"We're looking for some stability in when we're going to work. We want to be able to have a night in bed. Be rested. Be relaxed for a train. Be well rested for a safety critical job," said Doyle, adding, "they're constantly trying to erode some of these gains we've made. They claim labour shortages at times. That had never been a problem on the railway until very recently," said Doyle.
"Money is always part of any negotiation on both sides but it really is about safety at this point for us — the ability to know when you're going to work — have some time with your family and to be rested and ready for work," added Doyle.
