CN proposes “cooling-off” period for CAW strike

CN proposes “cooling-off” period for CAW strike

CN proposes “cooling-off” period for CAW strike

   Canadian National Railway recommended a “cooling-off” period as it tries to end a four-week strike caused by a labor contract dispute with the Canadian Auto Workers union.
   CN said the strike has already started to have negative effects on its staff, shippers and shareholders. While the union could continue to strike, CN suggested to move forward with three options:
   * A “good-faith” cooling-off period in which striking CAW employees return to work while the railroad and union resume bargaining to resolve the dispute.
   * Binding arbitration, under which an acceptable third party would select the company’s or union’s best settlement offer.
   * Union agreement to submit final, enhanced CN offer for a ratification vote.
   On Feb. 27, CN enhanced its contract offer with a range of options for the union to consider. The union responded this past weekend with a series of demands of its own. “Faced with excessive demands, the company deemed the negotiations to have reached a stalemate,” CN said in a statement.