Signals workers strike halts CPKC rail across Canada
Nearly 300 workers walk off the job Sunday after failed contract talks. Operations continue under contingency plans.
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Close to 300 signals workers at Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. hit the picket line Sunday morning after contract negotiations stalled, marking the start of what could be a significant disruption for freight and passenger rail across the country.
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers says the job action began after a 72-hour strike notice expired with no deal in sight. These workers install, maintain, and repair the railway signalling and communications systems that keep trains running safely from Vancouver to Montreal.
CPKC says it has contingency plans in place and operations continue, though the company didn't detail what those plans look like or how long trains can run without the signalling crews. The union says it backed the strike with a 96 per cent mandate vote, and claims the company failed to meaningfully address concerns around recruitment, retention, compensation, and work-life balance.
"Throughout this process, the union remained committed to reaching a fair negotiated settlement for our members," said IBEW official Jason Sommer in a statement. "Unfortunately, the company failed to meaningfully address the issues affecting recruitment, retention, compensation, and work-life balance within the Signals and Communications department."
CPKC offered wage and benefit increases consistent with other union deals but rejected the workers' key fiscal proposals. Both sides say they remain willing to talk. Strikes on Canada's major rail lines have ripple effects — shipping delays, freight backups, and potential impacts on goods movement across North America.