By: Thomas I. Likness
Eagle News Service

(Eagle News) — CP Rail and the union representing about 3,000 conductors, engineers, train and yard workers will let an arbitrator settle their contract dispute.

Both sides agreed to binding arbitration early Monday meaning the trains will start running again soon.

“This agreement enables us to return to work effective noon Tuesday local time to resume our essential services for our customers and the North American supply chain,” CP President and CEO Keith Creel said Monday.

Teamsters Canada Rail Conference spokesman Dave Fulton says arbitration was not the union’s first choice.

“While arbitration is not the preferred method, we were able to negotiate terms and conditions that were in the best interest of our members,” Fulton said in a release.

Wages and pensions are the main issues.

Workers walked off the job Sunday throwing Canada’s supply chain into chaos.

CP Rail is one of two major railways in Canada.

There has been pressure from industry groups to end the lockout-strike with either arbitration or back-to-work legislation.

The federal government declined to order an end to the walkout, saying the contract should be settled at the bargaining table.

Federal Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan congratulated both sides for agreeing to end the strike-lockout.

“This outcome is further evidence that when employers and unions work together, we get the best results for Canadians and for our economy, “ O’Regan said in a statement.
(Eagle News Service)