CN Rail workers on the picket line, June 20, 2022 (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

CN STRIKE

CN Rail signal workers begin strike

Jun 20, 2022 | 4:27 PM

KAMLOOPS — As of Saturday (June 18), 750 CN Rail workers represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers are on strike. The signal and communication workers have begun work action after negotiations with the employer stalled.

The small group of workers in the Kamloops area gathered on the picket line outside of CN Rail Monday morning. The signal workers are responsible for maintaining and repairing railway crossing and ensuring public safety, among other duties.

“We are in charge of all the safety systems that keep the trains running safely on the tracks. We respond 24/7 to calls, 365 days per year. That is one of our sticking points as well is that we would like to have some quality family time, not be on call all the time or be properly compensated for such,” said Darrel Kleebaum, IBEW 2055 Local Representative.

Negotiations are currently stalled between the two parties but the union is willing to return to the table to continue talks. The workers are asking for two-day weekends, compensation for travel and a work-life balance along with fair wages.

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“We aren’t asking for anything overly much. Inflation is at 8.6 per cent now. We are just asking for 4 and 5 per cent over the next three years. That is per year, so 12 per cent over three years,” said Kleebaum.