Overview
- Approximately 300 signals and communications technicians represented by the IBEW began a coordinated strike, which started Sunday, May 31, after a 72‑hour strike notice and failed federal conciliation and mediation.
- CPKC says it has activated contingency plans to keep trains running across its Canada network and that safe, efficient rail service has continued despite the job action.
- The union says the strike was forced by the company’s refusal to meaningfully engage on proposals the union links to recruitment, retention, compensation and work‑life balance.
- The IBEW reports a 96 percent strike‑mandate vote and says it remains ready to meet the company, while CPKC calls its latest offer fair and urges the union to accept binding arbitration.
- Signals technicians install, test, repair and maintain the network equipment that controls train movements from Vancouver to Montreal, and disruption to those crews could raise repair delays and service risk if the walkout persists.