CN and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) System Council 11 announced the ratification of a new four-year collective labor agreement by IBEW members. The union represents approximately 700 CN signals and communications employees in Canada.

The agreement - providing improvements in wages and benefits to IBEW members - is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2013.

Claude Mongeau, president and chief executive officer of CN, said: "CN welcomes the IBEW's ratification of this agreement, which was negotiated before the former contract expired in December 2012. The early negotiation of the agreement and its subsequent ratification reflect a positive working relationship between the parties and an interest in reaching a settlement that benefits both CN and the IBEW membership."

Brian Strong, senior general chairman for the IBEW, System Council 11, said: "We're pleased with the ratification of the new labour contract, which will help to improve our members' quality of life. We look forward to continued strong dialogue with CN in the years ahead."