Cascade union drivers want to resume talks with carrier

EDMONTON — The Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW) representing 52 owner-operators at Cascade Carriers has rescinded the 72-hour strike notice it issued this week.

The union had set a strike deadline of 1:00 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25th after 92 percent of the drivers voted in favor of it, but it is now canceling it in favor of continued talks with the Mullen-owned specialized oil services hauler.

"Our goal is to secure a new collective agreement that the members can work with for their future needs and we realize that any disruption in service could permanently jeopardize the customer base and that is not in either side’s interest," said CAW national representative Todd Romanow. 

"With due consideration and discussion with our members we have decided to re-focus our efforts on continued negotiations with the company."

The company issued a retaliatory lock-out notice earlier this week, also scheduled to begin at 1:00 pm tomorrow.

There’s no word at this time whether the Cascade intends to cancel the lock out and agree to return to the bargaining table.

"(The) company has not agreed to lift the lockout as of yet.There is still a potential dispute — will update everyone as we receive the information," Romanow told todaystrucking.com in an email.