The agreement ' providing improvements in wages, fringe benefits and other benefits'applies to approximately 700 employees who maintain CN signals and communication systems across Canada. It was effective Jan. 1, 2008, replacing a four-year contract that expired on Dec. 31, 2007.
Kim Madigan, CN vice-president of labour relations, said: 'CN is very pleased that this agreement has been ratified by the IBEW membership. This resulted from good communication and commitment by the parties to resolve issues early on through regular meetings. We believe this agreement benefits both CN and the IBEW membership and reflects the foundation of a solid relationship.'
Brian Strong, senior system general chairman for the IBEW, System Council 11, said:
'This new agreement provides five years of stability for our members and will help to improve our members' quality of life. We believe that CN's commitment to continue regular meetings and communications with the union to resolve outstanding issues will strengthen our relationship.'
CN ' Canadian National Railway Company and its operating railway subsidiaries ' spans Canada and mid-America, from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the Gulf of Mexico, serving the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans, and Mobile, Ala., and the key metropolitan areas of Toronto, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Duluth, Minn./Superior, Wis., Green Bay, Wis., Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, St. Louis, and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America.
