Unifor issues strike notice at Via Rail, workers could be off Monday

MONTREAL – The union representing some 2,400 Via Rail Canada employees has issued a strike notice that could see workers off the job on Monday.

Unifor represents Via employees working in its stations, on board its trains, in its maintenance centres, at its customer centre and in administrative offices.

The union says issuing strike notice was a serious step, demonstrating the bargaining committee’s commitment to reaching a settlement on behalf of the union members.

The railway says it may be forced to suspend services across its network at 12:01 a.m. ET on July 11, if no agreement is reached.

Via says the railway continues to talk with the union and remains committed to negotiating a fair and reasonable contract.

It says affected passengers may change their reservation at no cost or may opt for a full refund of unused tickets.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2022.