MONTREAL, Que. — Members of the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) have ratified a new four-year labour contract with CN.

The USWA represents approximately 2,250 employees who maintain and repair CN’s track, bridges and structures in Canada.

The new contract, covering the period from Jan. 1, 2004, to Dec. 31, 2007, provides for increased wages and improved benefits.

On Feb. 14, CN also signed a tentative contract with the United Transportation Union (UTU), which represents approximately 2,600 conductors, assistant conductors, yard service employees and traffic coordinators in Canada.
CN is working to renew collective agreements with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), representing locomotive engineers, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), whose members maintain and repair CN’s signals and communications equipment.

Meanwhile, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) continues its review of CN services that should be maintained in the event of strikes or lockouts involving the TCRC, IBEW or UTU. Until the CIRB renders its decision, any right to strike or lock out is suspended.

CN has renewed labour agreements with the UTU section representing brakemen and conductors on the company’s Northern Quebec Territory; the Canadian Auto Workers; the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference/Rail Traffic Controllers; and the Canadian National Railways Police Association.