CN vows to keep trains rolling if strike starts

Last Updated: Wednesday, February 7, 2007 | 2:12 PM ET

CBC News

CN Rail vowed on Wednesday to keep freight rolling if members of the United Transportation Union go on strike.

The union represents about 2,800 conductors and yard-service workers.

"CN and the UTU remain in negotiations, and we believe there is time to reach a new collective agreement before the strike deadline," said E. Hunter Harrison, president and chief executive officer of CN.

"But let me be clear — we will continue freight operations across Canada
during a UTU strike, with management personnel performing UTU-represented jobs, and provide the best possible service. This plan is essential to our customers and the Canadian economy."

CN and the union have agreed to maintain normal commuter rail operations on CN rail lines in Toronto and Montreal.

Excluded from strike action are union members employed on CN's Northern
Quebec Internal Short Line, Algoma Central Railway in Ontario and
Mackenzie Northern Railway in Alberta.

Late last month, CN and more than 4,000 Canadian Auto Workers members signed a new four-year collective agreement. Those union members include shopcraft and clerical employees, and owner-operator truckers.