(The Canadian Press circulated the following story on July 22.)
MONTREAL — Unionized Via Rail employees have given a strike mandate to the Canadian Auto Workers union by a majority of nearly 83 per cent, the union said on Wednesday.
A CAW official said employees could walk off the job at any time, provided the union gave Via 72 hours’ notice. The 2,500 employees include reservation and sales agents, station staff, onboard employees and maintenance workers.
“Our members’ message was loud and clear,” Gary Fane, chief union negotiator, said in a statement.
“Of course they would prefer a good settlement to strike action, but they’re prepared to apply some pressure if need be.”
The CAW said it was committed to resuming talks as scheduled next week with Via and a special government-appointed mediator.
Via made a contract offer to its workers two weeks ago that included a two per cent annual pay raise.
The offer was rejected, and the union says it wants a pay increase no lower than the three per cent raise accepted earlier this year by Canadian National Railway workers.
Pensions, disability insurance, sick leave and staffing are other issues in dispute.
A walkout would hit during high season for tourism.
Via workers last voted in favour of a strike in 1995. The federal government stepped in with legislation to prevent the work stoppage, but the new Liberal government has said it prefers a hands-off approach.