March 1, 2024 — As part of the collective bargaining process, the Federal Minister of Labour has appointed a conciliators to help CN and the TCRC reach a negotiated agreement.

CN recognizes TCRC’s efforts in negotiating the terms of the contract that expired on December 31, 2023. However, with recent regulatory changes challenging crew availability, along with an evolving workforce coming in, the terms of that contract are no longer meeting the needs of our customers, and many of our employees.

The Company remains committed to achieving a settlement that is good for our employees and customers – one that enhances our team members’ health and safety, work experience, work-life balance and addresses employee availability.

Highlights of CN’s offer to TCRC include:

• Consistent schedules with guaranteed consecutive days off (a minimum of consecutive 2 days off per 7-day period). This means our employees cannot be called to work during their scheduled days off at their home terminal. They will know, in advance, the days they are at work and the days they are off – giving them more flexibility and work-life balance.
• Hourly rate which raises employees’ existing wages to ensure compensation aligns with the dedication and effort they bring to their role every day. The hourly rate model also allows employees better income predictability.
• Guaranteed 40 hours of work per week for all employees, including those on the spareboard.
• Equitable pay for everyone across classifications. Yard and road conductors will earn the same hourly rate. Yard and road locomotive engineers will earn the same hourly rate.
• Overtime paid at time and a half when an employee works beyond their scheduled hours.
• Limits on the number of hours worked in line with the Transport Canada Duty and Rest Period Rules.
     o Reset breaks will now be scheduled and employees will know in advance, allowing for more predictability in their lives.
     o Maximum hours of work will comply with those set out in the Duty and Rest Period Rules.
     o Employees will continue to self-assess their fitness for duty before going to work.
• Examples of schedules:
     o 5 days a week at 8 hours a day – 2 consecutive days off with no calls for duty
     o 4 days a week at 10 hours per day – 3 consecutive days off with no calls for duty

Next Steps

CN continues to negotiate with TCRC with the objective of reaching a negotiated agreement. The bargaining process does not allow for either a strike or a lockout for close to three months after the appointment of conciliators.

Our experience has proven that negotiated agreements deliver the best results for employees, including improvements to wages, benefits, and work rules, and we welcome the help of conciliators to reach an agreement that allows us to modernize our railway in a manner that will provide our employees with better work conditions with a strong focus on their safety and a better work-life balance, continue to deliver quality service to our customers, maintain a strong supply chain, and keep the economy moving.