Via Rail workers issue strike mandate, could take action as soon as June 22

Almost 98 per cent of  Via Rail workers have voted in favour of strike action next month, according to Unifor Council.

In a press release, the union says members belonging to Unifor Council 4000 and Local 100 gave it a 97.5 per cent strike mandate.

“This strike vote is not just a number—it’s a direct response to VIA Rail’s refusal to bargain fairly,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne, in a statement. “Our members have shown they are united, determined, and ready to take action to protect good jobs and public rail service.”

The union’s bargaining committees say the employer is maintaining major concessions at the table, despite repeated calls to remove them.

Unifor also says Via Rail has “failed to respond to the union’s monetary proposals,” which were tabled in early May.

“Our goal is a fair agreement—not a strike,” stated Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier. “But VIA Rail must understand that our members will not accept concessions and delay tactics. The time to reach a deal is now.”

The strike mandate does not mean these workers will immediately walk off the job because the union is going through a federal conciliation process.

Negotiations resumed on May 26 and the conciliation period ends May 31, followed by a 21-day cooling-off period.

Unifor would then be in a legal strike position as of June 22, 2025.

Council 4000 represents 1,800 workers in Via Rail stations, call centres, administrative offices and onboard service, while Local 100’s members include 700 skilled trades and mechanical workers.

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