Minister Raitt congratulates VIA Rail and the Canadian Auto Workers' union for reaching a settlement
Untitled Document
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, July 22, 2010 - The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada's Minister of
Labour, applauded VIA Rail and the Canadian Auto Workers' union for renewing their
collective agreements.
"I commend VIA Rail and the Canadian Auto Workers' union for reaching
a settlement; the best resolution is one that the parties reach themselves,"
said Minister Raitt. "Strong labour-management relations benefit our country's
economic prosperity and the economic security of Canadians."
"This settlement is positive news for all the parties concerned,"
said the Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport). "I am
pleased that this successful outcome will enable VIA Rail to continue to offer
efficient passenger rail service to the traveling public during the busy summer
season."
The three collective agreements, covering over 2,000 off-train, on-board and
shopcraft employees, expired on December 31, 2009. The dispute between the two
parties was settled through challenging negotiations, with the assistance of
two federal mediators from the Government of Canada's Federal Mediation and
Conciliation Service.
The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service was established to provide dispute
resolution and dispute prevention assistance to trade unions and employers under
the jurisdiction of the Canada Labour Code. Mediation aims to achieve a collective
agreement and avoid a work stoppage.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Jocelyne Turner
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Raitt
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559