I don't like the idea of American union leaders making decisions on Canadian labour disputes. Its an issue of sovereignty IMO.

Obviously with a limited pool of funds the Americans will want to maximize the benefits for the union members in their own country in addition to the fact labour disruptions in Canada can effect the volume on their side of the border.

I too am not a fan of International Unions but I am also not a fan of American CEO's telling Canadian workers what they can and cannot do. Case in point CN and BC Ferries. This too is a case of sovereignty. The one thing that CN does really well is spin a good line every time there is another derailment.

CN Rail owns a number of American Railways, ie; IC,DWP,GTW,Wisc Central, to name a few. The CEO is stationed in Chicago Ill. Because it is an International Railway with an Internationl Union then I suppose it makes sense that the International Union President should sign off on the strike. The question is why doesnt he?? In any event we should have more information after the meetings on Monday.

In another week things will start to fall apart on the Railway, and after that even with a settlement it will take 2 to 3 weeks to get things back to normal.

Greetings my Northern friends from a Michigan Yankee. I work on the tracks. The strike seems to be hitting hard here. I am not seeing the big trains I am used to seeing on a daily basis coming West. We have been without a contract for more than 2 years. Cn is demanding concessions from us. All we want is what we have with a decent raise. Doesn't seem too much to ask for a company who reports record profits quarter after quarter and year after year. I wish our union would take this opportunity and join you. I hope our Northern brothers and sisters are able to break hunter. You're in my prayers, Godspeed!

Greetings my Northern friends from a Michigan Yankee. I work on the tracks. The strike seems to be hitting hard here. I am not seeing the big trains I am used to seeing on a daily basis coming West. We have been without a contract for more than 2 years. Cn is demanding concessions from us. All we want is what we have with a decent raise. Doesn't seem too much to ask for a company who reports record profits quarter after quarter and year after year. I wish our union would take this opportunity and join you. I hope our Northern brothers and sisters are able to break hunter. You're in my prayers, Godspeed!

Sorry to disagree with those who support strikes, but I don't. The strike is not only about those who work in the railyards. Many people, many companies, and many customers are affected by this strike. The railway is an essential service, especially for all of those companies who rely on rail to move their products to their customers.

My advice is negotiate a deal, or have one imposed by a mediator, but keep working. There are never any winners in a strike. Never. Chester