VIA Rail Strike Possibility

[MP_Bound]

Via Rail strike deadline set
Last Updated: Saturday, June 12, 2010 | 10:44 AM ET
The Canadian Press
Some Via Rail workers have voted in favour of going on strike if they're unable to reach a new labour agreement with the company.

More than 2,000 Canadian Auto Workers members, including Via ticket vendors and maintenance workers, cast their ballots across the country and voted 94 per cent in favour of a strike if needed.

Further talks between the two sides are scheduled for the week of June 21 and are expected to continue up until a strike deadline of 11:59 p.m. on June 27.

"The bargaining committee remains determined to reach a settlement without a dispute, but the corporation's concession demands must be stopped," CAW president Ken Lewenza said in a news release.

Via Rail is owned by the federal government and operates a passenger rail service across the country.



Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/06/12/via-strike-vote.html#ixzz0rc2EIjsI

 

[MP_Bound]

For those set to take via transit to basic after this deadline, what will happen to them?

I can imagine the Recruiting Center handling their file will change their travel plans, but can anyone confirm this?

 

[2010newbie]

I received this email today from VIA.

June 21, 2010

Dear 2010newbie (edited to remove name),

VIA Rail is currently negotiating with the Canadian Auto Workers' union (CAW), which represents a portion of VIA Rail's unionized employees.

However, in view of a potential work stoppage, VIA Rail has established a contingency plan which provides for basic services in order to minimize the impact on its customers. Please note that only Economy class services will be offered on all routes.

Also, we would like to inform you that the VIA Préférence program could be affected.

In the event of such a work stoppage:
• Neither the VIA Préférence Service Centre, nor the VIA Rail Telephone sales office will be in operation
• Ticket purchases will be available only at viarail.ca
• Passengers must have a valid booking and present their VIA ticket or e-booking confirmation when boarding
• VIA Préférence points can still be accumulated during this time
• Points cannot be redeemed during the work stoppage
• Privilège and Premier members cannot use their exclusive benefits, such as online coupons
Please visit viarail.ca regularly as your exclusive source of all information regarding the current situation, operating trains and schedules.

We thank you for your understanding and loyalty, and apologize for any inconvenience this situation may cause you.

Sincerely,

François-Yves Caya
Manager, Loyalty Marketing

From this letter it would seemt hat they are still going to operate, just a slimmed down service.

 

[kincanucks]

For those set to take via transit to basic after this deadline, what will happen to them?

I can imagine the Recruiting Center handling their file will change their travel plans, but can anyone confirm this?

Nope you have to walk.

Jesus wept.

 

[MP_Bound]

Nope you have to walk.

Jesus wept.

oh darn...

thats a 3 day journey haha.

 

[2010newbie]

VIA Rail Strike Averted from cbc.ca


The Canadian Auto Workers union has reached a tentative contract deal with Via Rail, averting a strike that might have disrupted passenger travel on Monday.

The CAW represents 2,200 customer service, train service and maintenance workers across Canada.

The union said Saturday it reached a tentative three-year deal "after a difficult and challenging round of negotiations."

The agreement was reached one day before the strike deadline of Sunday at 11:59 p.m. ET.

No details of the agreement will be made public until union members vote on the deal over the next two weeks.



Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/06/27/via-strike-averted.html#ixzz0s3rnJmrV

 

[MP_Bound]

Whew! That's a relief