Wil Strike Be Derailed?

By 250 News

Rail cars on the tracks at the  CN yard on First Avenue in Prince George  

The Canadian Industrial Relations Board will review again today the legality of the strike at CN.

In Prince George, 150 conductors and service yard workers are among the 28 hundred United Transportation Union workers off the job as they press for a new contract.

On Saturday, the CIRB ruled the strike was legal, however, the International President of the Union, Paul Thompson,  suggests the strike action is not legal as the strike protocol under the Union’s constitution was not followed.  The Union's General Chairperson,  Rex Beatty doesn't agree.  Beatty has been quoted as saying "the union's constitution can't supersede the Canadian Labour Code."

The Canadian Union President says if the CIRB  rules the strike is illegal,  then  workers will immediately be  told to return to their jobs.

In the meantime, CN says the rail line is continuing to operate with managers taking on the role as conductors or switchers. 

"Main line corridors were fluid, and most trains which had been set off on line were moving towards destination." says a release from CN.  The company also says major switching yards were processing traffic effectively.

Email | Print | Facebook | Twitter | Digg | Del.icio.us