This article was originally published on the IBEW System Council No. 11 website, ibewcouncil-11.com. Read the original post here.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 2026
Members of System Council No. 11 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) employed by Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway (CPKC) have lawfully withdrawn their services effective 08:00 Mountain Daylight Time on May 31, 2026, following the expiration of the Union’s 72-hour strike notice and the failure of the parties to reach a negotiated settlement.
IBEW System Council No. 11 represents nearly 300 Signals & Communications employees working across Canada, from Vancouver to Montréal. These employees perform highly skilled, safety-sensitive work involving the installation, maintenance, testing, and repair of railway signalling and communications systems across the CPKC network.
Backed by a 96% strike mandate vote, IBEW members have raised concerns throughout bargaining regarding wages, expenses incurred by employees in the service of the Company, and work-life balance issues arising from extensive on-call obligations and demanding schedules.
The Union states that retention challenges within the Signals & Communications department continue to worsen as experienced employees leave for better-paying opportunities elsewhere in the railway industry, including short-line railways and other employers offering improved compensation and quality of life.
Despite months of bargaining and the completion of the federally mandated conciliation and mediation process under the Canada Labour Code, the Company failed to meaningfully engage on the Union’s key fiscal proposals, and the parties were ultimately unable to reach an agreement.
“The bargaining committee did not take this step lightly,” said Senior General Chairman Jason Sommer. “Throughout this process, the Union remained committed to reaching a fair negotiated settlement for our members. Unfortunately, the Company failed to meaningfully address the issues affecting recruitment, retention, compensation, and work-life balance within the Signals & Communications department.”
The Union remains available to meet with the Company at any time and remains committed to reaching a negotiated agreement that addresses the legitimate concerns of its members.
Media Contact:
Jason Sommer
Senior General Chairman
IBEW System Council No. 11
613-827-4613
ibewsommer@proton.me