Canadian Pacific Railway labor talks break down
Labor contract negotiations between Canada Pacific Railway and 3,000 Teamster union maintenance workers have broken off, raising the likelihood of a walkout as soon as April 25.
Government mediators advised the Calgary-based railroad, Canada's second largest, that there was 'no utility' in trying to revive the talks because the two sides were so far apart.
The four-year contract between the railroad and the union members expired Dec. 31, and the two sides have not met since March 30. A government ordered cooling-off period expires April 25.
A walkout by the Teamster maintenance workers, who inspect CPR rails, could exacerbate freight delays already mounting from a Canadian National Railway Co. work stoppage by conductors and yard workers that began Feb. 10. CNRC is the nation's largest rail company.
The maintenance workers are seeking 4 percent-a-year wage increases for the next four years, while CPR is offering 3 percent for each of the first three years and 4 percent in the last year of the contract.
Canadian Pacific Railway labor talks break down
