CN, UTU reach strike truce

CN, UTU reach strike truce Canadian National Railway Co. and the United Transportation Union on Saturday afternoon reached a tentative settlement to end the two-week long strike by 2,800 conductors and yard-service employees.
   The workers represented by the UTU will officially remain on strike until the result of a ratification vote is counted on March 26, but union representatives have urged workers to return to their jobs in the meantime.
   'The tentative agreement allows UTU members the opportunity to have a voice and exercise their democratic right in this crucial decision,' said John Armstrong and Robert Sharpe, UTU vice presidents and chief negotiators.
   'We are retaining our strike mandate during the ratification process. However, we are urging all members to return to work during the ratification process. We are hopeful that this will greatly reduce the possibility of the Canadian government continuing to move forward on back-to-work legislation until such time as the ratification process is completed and the results known.'
   The government was ready to introduce such legislation this week, but has decided to hold back for now. The government 'remains prepared to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure the strength and stability of the Canadian economy,' said Canada's Labor Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn.