(Bloomberg News circulated the following story by Alexandre Deslongchamps on July 23, 2009.)
OTTAWA — Canadian Minister of State for Transport Rob Merrifield urged VIA Rail Canada, the country’s passenger train service, and its workers to reach an agreement that will avoid a strike tomorrow, a spokesman said today.
“The minister is disappointed the two sides have not yet come to an agreement and he urges them to continue working,” said Chris Hilton, a spokesman for Merrifield.
The government won’t interfere in negotiations and hasn’t considered legislation that would force striking workers to return to the job, Hilton said.
The union representing 340 train engineers at VIA Rail gave notice on July 21 that workers may go on strike tomorrow, forcing the cancellation of passenger train service.
Montreal-based VIA Rail said all trains will be canceled after noon Toronto time tomorrow if a settlement isn’t reached with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference union.