OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 05/30/12 -- Today, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada's Labour Minister, announced that the Restoring Rail Service Act has been passed by the House of Commons. The Act would end the work stoppage at the Canadian Pacific Railway and its labour disputes with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference.
"With no prospect of resolution in sight, the Government acted to resume rail services for businesses, families and the economy," said Minister Raitt. "The work stoppage at the Canadian Pacific Railway is affecting industries that contribute $540 million weekly to the Canadian economy through their use of the railway. The strike will also put the jobs of thousands of Canadians at risk if it is prolonged."
The Bill was passed in the House of Commons and will now be debated by the Senate. The legislation, if passed by the Senate, would resume rail services at the Canadian Pacific Railway and send all unresolved issues to interest-based binding arbitration.
The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference independently represents bargaining units of approximately 220 rail traffic controllers, and 4,200 locomotive engineers, conductors, trainspersons and yardmen. The collective agreements for both units expired on December 31, 2011.
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
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Contacts:
Ashley Kelahear
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Raitt
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
