On Tuesday, the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) announced the union has opened contract talks with VIA Rail Canada Inc. The CAW hopes to reach a new collective agreement for its three bargaining units covered by a VIA Rail contract that expires on Dec. 31.

The union represents more than 2,000 VIA Rail on-train and clerical workers, including ticket vendors and maintenance employees.

“A fair agreement on job security will be imperative to reaching a new contract,” said CAW President Ken Lewenza in a prepared statement, referring to maintenance work that VIA Rail plans to outsource.