Statement from the Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

MONTREAL, Feb. 15, 2015­ /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Canada's Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, issued the following statement on the work-stoppage initiated at Canadian Pacific Railway (CP):

"I am incredibly disappointed that the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) failed to reach an agreement with CP.

I have personally intervened in my capacity as Labour Minister and our Government's Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service has been working with both sides for months. After securing a commitment from CP, the employer, to send the remaining issues to voluntary arbitration, I find it incredibly frustrating that the union continually stifled progress for both parties.‎

Following the successful negotiation of agreements with the Canadian National Railway (CN) and the TCRC, and CP and Unifor, an agreement that would prevent a costly and damaging work-stoppage has not been achieved by CP and the TCRC. I encourage the TCRC to reach an agreement with CP to end this labour dispute and to protect Canada's economy.‎

I encourage the TCRC to consider the impact of their dispute on the Canadian public, including those commuters in Montreal who will be affected by a work stoppage, and to cease all strike action and immediately return to the negotiating table.  

Our Government is committed to protecting Canada's economy during this time of global economic uncertainty. Due to this reckless disregard for Canadians, and the Canadian economy, our Government will review all available options to end any work-stoppage expediently, up to and including the introduction of legislation in Parliament.‎"

SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

For further information: Andrew McGrath, Director of Communications, Office of the Hon. Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P., Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, 819-953-5646, [e-mail]; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [e-mail]; Follow us on Twitter

Related Links

http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca