Nice... an American company getting the Canadian Government to screw Canadian workers.

Exactly... and it looks to be about safety of the rail line and the workers work conditions more so than pay, so I see no reason for the government to be getting involved in this labor dispute other than to force CN to live up to its safety and work condition obligations.

Maybe CN executives need to take a pay cut?

Welcome to the new way of "bargaining". If the government is in any way inconvenienced by a group trying to bargain a contract, out comes the legislative hammer.

IT'S NOT AN AMERICAN COMPANY! Why do people keep spreading this BS? It's ignorance. CN is a public company owned by it's shareholders. Many do happen to be American. Many happen to be Canadian. The CEO is an American, until December 31 that is. Then a Canadian takes over the job. Too many lefties in this country let their hatred of the USA cloud any ability for reasonable thinking.

As part of the privitization of CN it became law that at least 30% of CN shares must be Canadian owned. The other 70% can be foreign owned. Bill Gates owns approximately 1.8 billion in CN shares. This makes him the largest single shareholder of CN stock.

"The strike started Saturday, putting 1700 engineers across the country on the picket line. CN says it is continuing with its contingency plan."

The Harper Gov. is CN's contingency plan!!!

What a bunch of crap....this strike isn't even a week old, and the only bargaining tool left to these workers being held hostage is being yanked out from under them.

Good for the Bloc and NDP for not just jumping on this wagon, and I sure hope that those damn Liberals don't fold like the wet rags that they are!

Get back to work!
Bad time to strike while our country is in a economic slow down!
Use the legal courts system and everyone will be better off.

"Use the legal courts system?"

I don't know what you mean by this. Sue CN for higher wages? I'm sorry, but i don't get your point.

Yup....with thousands out of work, and the country in a recession.

If there every was a time to strike...I dont think this is it.

I think and Arbitrator may just be a good idea...China is buying like crazy now and if the freight flow is interrupted, that could have a dramatic effect on our economy. As well with lumber prices FINALLY starting to rise...do we really need to kick our mills in the teeth with a railway shutdown?

The thing about an arbitrator is that then the conservatives will become politically liable for the safety issues that this strike is all about.... :)

get back to work or give their jobs to some one who wants them.

CN is responsible for the timing of this strike.They waited fourteen months for the timing to be perfect. Just before parliments Christmas break (Dec 14th)they made non-negotiated changes to the enginemans contract in violation of Canada labour code. This is not something that any union could accept, CN knew this would force the strike. CN knew the economy in Canada is fragile and that the government would act quickly so quickly in fact that Minister Ambrose had written the new Railway Continuation Act while they were still negotiating!

Why is it that the blame lands on the workers when the company wont bargain in good faith. A company that makes about two billion a year in profits. A company that killed two Prince George employees a few years ago in McBride(a bridge know by CN to be defective). A company that killed two BCR men on the Kelly Lake Hill(on an engine CN knew was not adequate for that grade). A company that poisoned Lake Wabamun(by using made in China rail they knew were inferior). A company that destroyed the pristine Cheakamus River(running trains they knew were too long for that track). A company that blew up a train in your city and lit the Fraser River on fire(done by the superintendent who was told on many occasions that it was too dangerous to do.he's since been promoted to asst general manager in Toronto) .A company that rules its workers with fear and intimidation(as was discovered by the Railway safety review committee).Workers that work in fear of losing their jobs because of a mistake.Workers who wont report an injury for fear of discipline.Workers who wont report a dangerous situation as it may result in discipline. Think I'm exagerating. Ask any CN employee who isn't in management they'll tell you(so will some managers).

Why does CN not have any responsibility in helping to protect our fragile economy? Why is that blame being put on your neighbors? This strike is not about wages,its not even an issue(many make 100 thousand+ a year). Its about the amount of time these enginemen have to work in a month. Many have to work or are on call prepared to work 25 or more days a month right now with no scheduled days off. Yeah they make good money but they pay a heavy price for that wage.I know men with thirty years of service who have only been home for Christmas 5 or 6 times. Missed numerous childrens birthdays some even the births. Missed graduation ceremonies the list goes on and on.

Before you judge these people for striking take a minute to consider what they have sacrificed to get where they're at and why they're a prepared to fight to hold onto what little time they already get with their familys. What would you do? Quit and run or fight. Are you a man or a mouse Squeak up!

The union will win in the long run. An arbitrator will favour the employee over the employer. Hard to feel sorry for guys making 6 figure incomes though!

Flash wrote
"I don't know what you mean by this. Sue CN for higher wages? I'm sorry, but i don't get your point"

When i wrote "Use the legal courts system and everyone will be better off"

I meant the use of an Arbitrator.(Legal system) It is a far cry better than blockades and strikes.... IMO Using these methods only piss people off and hurt your cause. So use the Legal system...get my point now?

That makes more sense. Thanks