VIA Rail strike deadline extended, union negotiations continue

VIA Rail just barely avoided the possibility of suspending services early Monday morning (July 11) after a strike deadline was extended to the afternoon of that same day.

According to a news release issued by Unifor, which represents roughly 2,400 employees, the deadline for VIA Rail workers, which was originally set for July 11 at 12:01 a.m., has been extended to 4:00 p.m. EST.

"We remain hopeful that a deal can be reached," Lana Payne, Unifor national secretary-treasurer, stated in the release. "Our bargaining committees have been steadfast in wanting to achieve a deal that respects and values their work."

READ MORE: "Major disruption" looms as VIA Rail receives 72-hour strike notice

A strike deadline for July 11, 2022 was announced last Thursday (July 7), in an effort to give the public ample notice and an opportunity to make alternative arrangements for travel, Unifor noted.

Due to the extension, rail services will continue Monday.

Unifor represents maintenance workers, on-board service personnel, chefs, sales agents and customer service staff at VIA Rail.

From June 20 to July 1, 2022, both Unifor Council 4000 and Unifor Local 100 conducted strike votes with VIA Rail members across Canada.

The results for the vote were 99.4 per cent in favour of strike action at Local 100 and 99.3 per cent in favour of strike action from Council 4000 members.

“VIA Rail workers are frustrated that the employer continues to push concessions and not work towards a fair and equitable collective agreement for our members,” said Scott Doherty, executive assistant to Unifor’s national president and lead negotiator, in a statement last week.

“Unifor members at VIA are highly skilled and contributed to the success of the company. We will do whatever it takes to get members the collective agreement that they deserve.”

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