The new labor pact, which is subject to ratification, would settle wage and work-rule issues for 74 trainmen for the period from January 2004 to September 2012. The agreement would replace the traditional mileage/ rule-based agreement with one based upon hourly wages and job security. Most of CN's U.S. train and engine employees work under hourly-rate labor contracts.
The UTU members on the DM&IR are principally involved in operating CN trains hauling pelletized iron ore in Minnesota and Wisconsin.