Unionized train engineers at VIA Rail were poised to strike this week if a new agreement is not reached.
The 340 locomotive engineers were set to walk off the job at noon July 24. They are represented by the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference and have been without a contract since Dec. 31, 2006.
The engineers are seeking improved wages and benefits, schedules that provide two consecutive days off and increased training.
A federal mediator has been appointed to help the union and the railroad through the negotiations.
The uncertainty has forced VIA to cancel some cross-Canada trains to avoid passengers being stranded.
The Sudbury-White River bud car service will continue operating because that route is run by a third party.
“We remain hopeful that an agreement will be reached before the set deadline,” said a VIA official in a statement. “Unfortunately, VIA has no choice but to begin to cancel certain departures of long-distance trains to ensure that passengers will not be stranded en route in the event of a strike.”
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