CN, labor agree to delay strike/lockout notices until mid-May

CN and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) signed an agreement extending the date on which either party can issue a 72-hour strike or lockout notice to May 12, 2005. The TCRC represents 1,750 locomotive engineers at CN.

Gilles Hall', president of the TCRC, said, "The union and company are serious about resolving outstanding issues without labor disruption. This additional period will give the parties time to schedule meaningful negotiations aimed at reaching an agreement."

E. Hunter Harrison, president and chief executive officer of CN, said, "We remain optimistic that further face-to-face negotiations over the coming weeks will allow CN and the TCRC to successfully resolve the issues still on the bargaining table."