'We're trying to keep up': CN signal workers on strike across Canada
Signal and communication workers for the Canadian National Railway Company are on strike as of Saturday, which included a group of workers who walked off the job in Melville.
The workers are part of a group called the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. It represents more than 700 CN employees across the country, something stand-in representative Blair Mason said CN doesn’t have enough of.
“We are very short staffed. We are on call 24/7 and more employees would help us with a work-life balance,” said Mason.
He explained that they can’t ask for more employees but they can ask for a two day weekend, and fair wages.
“We’re trying to keep up. We’re not even asking for the inflation rate. We’re just asking for a fair wage increase,” Mason added.
While the workers are on strike, CN has a contingency plan.
“The plan is designed to keep the railroad operating normally and safely,” CN spokesperson Jonathan Abecassis said in an emailed statement.
However, some employees are skeptical.
“The contingency plan for CN is suspect at best. All the members we have are very skilled at what they do,” said IBEW General Chairman for Western Canada, Lee Hooper.
“I know how much work me and the guys put in everyday,” he added.
“I can’t see how it’s all getting done the way it’s supposed to be,” said Signal Maintainer Richard Andres.
“Right now they’ve got replacement workers in there. I don’t know if they’re qualified or not. It’s impacting the public safety,” Mason said.
“CN's operational contingency plan uses managers and contractors that are qualified to do the work they are doing,” Abecassis said.
The workers are hoping their demands are met soon they can get back on track.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.