IBEW strike at CPKC enters second week, federal hearing scheduled

As the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) System Council No. 11 strike at CPKC enters its second week, union officials have raised concerns that the railroad may be violating federal anti-replacement worker legislation. 

IBEW System Council No. 11 represents about 300 communication and signals employees working for CPKC in Canada. Since the strike began on May 31, no bargaining meetings have been scheduled, union officials said in a press release.

However, CPKC officials in an emailed statement said the company has been available to meet with IBEW officials during the strike and has also offered to enter binding arbitration to resolve the situation.

IBEW has sought wage and benefit increases that are double the increases received by other Canadian collective bargaining units, CPKC officials added. Additionally, CPKC states that it has offered quality-of-life changes to IBEW System Council No. 11 members that would address the union's concerns, but those options have not been taken. 

Beyond the bargaining stalemate, the union is investigating reports that allege CPKC is using contractors and workers from other bargaining units to perform work normally carried out exclusively by IBEW System Council No. 11 workers, union officials said. 

"We have implemented our contingency plan and maintained safe and efficient railway operations across Canada in compliance with all applicable laws, including the Canada Labour Code," CPKC officials said in response to the union's release.

IBEW has filed multiple complaints with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) that CPKC may be violating Bill C-58; the board has set a hearing for June 15. CPKC representatives will be present at the hearing.

"Bill C-58 was enacted to protect the integrity of collective bargaining and prevent employers from undermining legal strikes through the use of replacement workers," said IBEW System Council No. 11 Senior General Chairman Jason Sommer. "Our members did not take this step lightly. We remain available to meet with [CPKC] immediately and continue to believe a negotiated agreement is in the best interests of both parties. However, the concerns that led to this strike remain unresolved."