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Home : Top Stories : Via Rail engineers officially on strike

Via Rail engineers officially on strike

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CTV News Video

CTV News: Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife reports
CTV News Channel: Robert Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Airlines
CTV Toronto: John Musselman on some shattered travel plans as the VIA Rail strike begins
CTV News Channel: Charlotte Yates, labour expert, on the Via Rail strike
CTV News Channel: Ashley Doyle of VIA Rail offers refunds
CTV Toronto: John Musselman with passengers at Union Station
CTV Montreal: Derek Conlon on the alternative transportation
CTV Ottawa: Vanessa Lee with reaction from passengers
CTV News Channel: BNN's Michael Kane on the impact of a strike

Watch: See all Videos in the Player

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Fri. Jul. 24 2009 4:13 PM ET

Summer travel has been derailed for many Canadians now that the union representing Via Rail's 340 locomotive engineers said the workers have walked off the job.

The union made the announcement Friday shortly after a noon deadline for a deal in the ongoing contract dispute passed without a settlement.

The engineer walkout effectively shuts down the bulk of national passenger rail service across the country.

Via and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference union had been in intense talks all week to try to ward off a strike, but contract negotiations broke down overnight. The union issued a strike notice early Friday saying it would hit the picket line at noon Friday, unless something changed.

The train engineers have been without a contract since Dec. 31, 2006. A federal mediator had been appointed to help broker a deal, and until Friday both sides said they were hopeful a deal could be reached.

But Via released a statement early Friday saying talks broke down around 1 a.m. ET.

"Despite intense negotiations over the past four days, the parties were unfortunately unable to reach an agreement, and the negotiations are currently at an impasse," the Via statement read.

"Barring a last-minute resolution, Via will have no choice but to cease operations of Canada's national passenger rail service as of Friday, July 24, 2009 at noon ET."

Via Rail said alternate transportation was to be provided where possible at intermediate stations for passengers scheduled to depart before noon ET. After that, said Via, no alternate transportation would be provided.

The only exception was for passengers travelling from Jasper to Vancouver.

Some trains were already cancelled this week in anticipation of a strike, such as those leaving and arriving Halifax.

Passengers whose train travel is affected can obtain a refund for unused tickets.

Greyhound bus lines has said it will respond to increased demand by adding buses if needed.

Via carries close to 12,000 passengers every day in Canada; up to 85 per cent of its business is between Quebec City and Windsor.

Ripple effects from the strike are expected to be felt across the country. Taxi drivers in Ottawa, who depend on traffic from the local train station for a significant portion of their income, say they expect to lose $100 to $200 a day as long as train service is suspended.

The strike comes during one of the busiest travelling periods of the year, dealing Canadian tourism operators already struggling amid the economic slowdown yet another hit.

Via has said its ticket counters are to remain open for the next few days, presumably to handle refunds, and that it's currently not accepting bookings.

Meanwhile, negotiations continue. Shortly after the strike commenced on Friday, a spokesperson from Via said representatives from the company and the union were continuing to meet with mediators.

Comments are now closed for this story

Michael
said
0 0

The federal government needs to send these people to arbitration.

Nobody wins in this strike yet the workers deserve a contract after such a long time. I am not a union supporter per se but in this case they need to have a settlement.


Andrew, Kingston
said
0 0

Terrorism is not accepted in our society, it's too bad extortion is. When unions were there for the workers health and safety they had a valued place, now they are nothing more than extortion rings mangaged by mob bosses holding the company and the public out for more money.


B. Bell
said
0 0

Don't know about anyone else but I am getting sick and tired of unions and their strikes.
Garbage in Toronto, Via engineers,
auto workers. The list goes on and on and on.
For God's sake you people, you make a decent living to start with and you want more. Do you not read the paper and see what is going on around the world !
You killing the rest of us. Can you really get a decent nights sleep knowing how GREEDY you are ?


DCR-Toronto
said
0 0

Just another example of the, ME ME ME, MORE MORE MORE, attitude of big unions. People truly haven't a clue of how good they have it. Greedy little piggys at the trough.



Sherry Katrina
said
0 0

So now the Engineers have joined the other jerks that have the people hostage - thanks for ruining many plans - those by soldiers even that can't be changed! Hope the only you get is a pink slip!


Mike
said
0 0

There go plans for this weekend!


Dean
said
0 0

Just how stupid are these engineers and their union? They already make a good wage/benefits and yet in this uncertain time, they "demand" more. No wonder the railways for the traveller are going the way of the dodo. There is no such thing as job security in any real world scenario and people shouldn't expect to have a job if no one wants your product. Perhaps this group of people and their union need to catch up on reality by reviewing the "big three" situation.


JP in Ottawa
said
0 0

This sucks! the train is a great way to travel, I really hope it gets solved before a strike or by tomorrow, there will be a lot of upset people and ruined vacations!
Let meknow what you think but could national transportation be considered an essential service, or will via have to pay for bus tickets?


Steve in Ottawa
said
0 0

I would seem better to have a 'binding arbitration' clause in contracts whereby parties initially negotiate, escalate to a mediator, and then if necessary go to arbitration.

This process would eliminate a strike which ultimately hurts both sides and the public.





John from TO
said
0 0

*gets ready for the union bashing to start*


Lee venning
said
0 0

My daughter and I are among the 7 people still using rail services. (This was a comment I read with some amusement a couple of days ago.) However, it is not so amusing now that our vacation plans have been thwarted by the looming strike.

I am surprised that with all the talk about declining passenger rail use, that the union would decide to go out now, right in the middle of what should be the busiest time for passenger service, however I realize this will hold the most clout.

I was so looking forward to spending a week at my 79 year old parents' farm during my one week of vacation. Now, rather than endure an 8 hour bus ride to get to Smith Falls, I will just relax at home in Keswick. I'll spend the 70$ rail fee to go out to dinner here instead.

Lee,
Keswick, On



RPK ~ Kitchener
said
0 0

WAKE UP CANADA !

Here we are in the middle of the worst recesion since the great depression & we have "STRIKES" disrupting our country.

Who in their right mind would strike causing disruption to services that the nation requires.

Look at TORONTO thank you ~ isn't this a royal mess and now Rail travel across the nation is going to be silenced ~ Happy Travelling folks.

"UNIONS" need to be abolished in this 21st century and the needs of the people be primary ~ thats what we pay taxes for is "SERVICES".

Government negoitators are like a 5th wheel on a wagon ~ another useless civil servant !

"OUTLAW UNIONS" & lets get on with FREE ENTERISE - Lord knows there are hundres of thousands out of work that will work without the gouging of UNIONS.


KJ in Kingston Ontario
said
0 0

Oh to be stuck on the rusty rail tracks in Toronto with all that trash bearing down from above.... The unemployment numbers grow in step with the union demands -- all this after wasting billions on the auto bailout. We need some real leadership -- not more political posturing.


Tom Hanna
said
0 0

Valerie Pringle did a program on Via Rail and this does not sound like the employees she incountered on the trip.

One more thing, what about the northern communities who souly rely on rail service?


THE Fatman
said
0 0

From a previous CTV News article:

"Union members have been without a contract since 2006. Workers are fighting for improved benefits, wages and two consecutive days off."

Much as I oppose unions and feel their time has passed etc. etc. etc, in this instance it appears they have acted responsibly and with patience as demonstrated by the members staying on the job for 2-1/2 years without a contract.

This leads me to believe that it's been 2-1/2 years without any salary increase, so, their request being reasonable I can only ask "What's the problem?"

As for two consecutive days off (I'm assuming that's after five working days and 40 accumulated hours at station) I can't see anything unreasonable about that at all. This is the 21st century!

Regarding the benefits, not knowing what they have at present nor what they are requesting leaves me without comment, although I'm sure that they are more realistic that the garbage men of Toronto!

I do hope for the sake of the engineers, their families and the traveling public that this dispute can be this settled quickly through both parties bargaining in good faith.


Andrea in Ottawa
said
0 0

With 12,000 passengers travelling by train, I am sure this will cause some problems. There is going to be a need of quick solutions.

Some of these people are corporate travellers, as well as Leisure travellers.

Basically people are now going to have to possibly pay more money for an airline ticket, or take the bus.Unless the airlines themselves take advantage of the situation, and sell a huge pile of low fared tickets.


For the travellers that are travelling domestically,this is the monkey in a wrench.

Better off to travel internationally, or stay home in your own community, and celebrate your vacation in your own backyard.

Unless you don't mind waiting in huge line ups at the bus stations or airports.





Tom in North Bay
said
0 0

All you people chiming in need to understand that employees have rights too! Without a contract since 2006? The engineers have been more then fair in this, and finally they have had enough. I dont blame them ONE BIT!

How many of you arm-chair experts would work for 3 years without a contract? exactly!!


Rick from Mississauga
said
0 0

Haven't you read the information on this potential strike??? CN has been jerking the engineers around for 3 - yes - 3 years without a contract or raise. While you all sit on your moral behinds and complain about strikes, think how many of you would be happy working for a company that treats its' employees like crap and avoids even giving them cost of living increases for 3 years!


Dave in Ottawa
said
0 0

For one, Unions have their place within the workforce. But, the majority of people are right, Unions were initially created to protect the worker, now they just abuse the system. I am for a Union when it protects me from the big bad corporation that over powers that little guy, but when the little guy is making over $20.00 an hour to say put bottles of wine on a shelf, and the Union supports a strike, that's just abuse. I think Unions need to start over from the beginning, and maybe look way back their histroy, and maybe remember why they were created.


Louise - Ottawa
said
0 0

Iunderstand the frustration of not having a new contract in 2 1/2 years. My question is when did the union and management decide to start negotiations for a new contract? Have negotiations been on-going or did management decide to start talking when faced with a looming strike? After all, both sides have had time to get an acceptable contract signed. There are times when unions are not always at fault. And no, I am not a union person.


Roger Hammer
said
0 0

"*gets ready for the union bashing to start*"

And deservedly so!!!


david sawkiw[saskatchewan farmer]
said
0 0

That via system has already cost us [taxpayer] way,way too much already. Maybe it's time we shut it down completely.

It is antiquated and losing money[taxpayers].

The government saw fit to shut down MOST of the rails that serviced prairie towns [and killed them].I'm pretty certain if they used the same critera, via would be gone.

I'm thinking it's time to give these people their walking papers, let them kick horse turds down the road.


Mike from Mississauga
said
0 0

This will be interesting. I work for Air Canada, and a lot of people think if we had not ratified our collective agreements, the goverment would have legislated us back because the country would have been shut down with a strike. If the goverment gets involved in the Via strike, they will definately get involved in any future Air Canada work disruptions.


Clem
said
0 0

VIA Rail losses money every year. Let them go on strike for a year and save the company money. They'll gladly go back to work.
Thank you union once again. Union workers should be on the picket line earning strike pay like the workers instead of getting full pay in their cushy offices.



Warren in Saskatoon
said
0 0

I'm in a union (not by my choice) but like B Bell Iam sick and tired of unions always on strike and threating companies with striking,just get rid of those who take advantage of the system and unions might just have a place in soceity.


CalgaarySabre2
said
0 0

I was scheduled to take the train from Toronto to Ottawa on Monday. I was really looking forward to this, so I held off cancelling the ticket and making different plans as long as I could. But now I will have to make the switch. It will cost me a bit more, but I can do it. But I won't likely take VIA again after the strike is settled. I feel very badly for people who have no choice or who came from overseas to enjoy a train ride. The time has come to ban unions. They no longer serve any purpose except making the union leaders feel as though they are important. All of the major strikes recently have shown that the leaders make no effort to settle the dispute. They want the feeling of power.


bernard
said
0 0

Where is a Ronald Reagan or Margaret Thatcher when you need one.

These unions are a great example of communism


Brandon, Petawawa
said
0 0

These workers have been employed without a contract since 2006. Based on that, it is reasonable for them to want this sorted out. However, their union could not have picked a worse time to do this. We are in the midst of a global recession, and they are sending union memebers to the picket line. If this was such a big issue, talks should have started when their last contract expired.


adam Kingston
said
0 0

I know this likely has nothing to do with fares. But really via rail services and pricing is kinda ridicoulus as it is. I use to use the service alot but not so much anymore. But without going to much into a rant, let them strike. Im sure the bus service in Ontario and the rest of Canada could use a positive boost :)


Arty
said
0 0

In the first place rail unions were formed a long time ago because the rail companies were KILLING and injuring rail workers. Henry Ford hired a goon squad to harrass and beat auto workers. In the bitter strike at Stelco in 1946 the union and management were firing rifles at each other and that is after most workers put 16 hour day to produce steel for the war effort. In the summer a 2nd helper on an Basic Open Hearth furnace could lose 20 pounds in a 8 hour shirt. It is so hot you cannot eat or drink anything or you will get sick.

There would be no unions in the first place if companies treated workers properly.

Back to VIA. Having two days off is necessary for proper rest. Fatigue is the cause of many rail incidents. (The reports of rail incidents are online at the TSB web site).

Now tell me about those greedy engineers again! I am sure if you looked at their demands you would see that they are simply not interested in dying on the job or killing hundreds of people.

Cheers


Mark Smith (Montreal QC)
said
0 0

I always find it funny when people bash unions and complain that they make more money than the complainers do.

I find it funny, because when unions go on strike, they do make a sacrifice. They sacrifice their paycheque, their time from standing on the picket line, their image in public relations, then they get a raise and better benefits.

Well, if the complainers banded together, and formed their own union, and didn't back down from a fight because they are too busy complaining about others who aren't afraid, they'd get more money and better benefits too.

Jealously rarely leads to anything good.


Sick of Unions
said
0 0

Stop taking the trains, no riders mean no work , then they will understand , we as canadians are getting real sick of this . If via rail was making billions of dollars that would be one thing , but come on ??? We need to stand up as a country and start telling the unions where they can go . Next thing you now the goverment will want to strike !



El Kabong
said
0 0

This is a wonderful time for the taxpayer....shut down this horrible waste of taxpayers dollars for good! Another money pit we cannot afford.


Pip
said
0 0

There is no excuse for dragging negotiations out for a year and a half after the expiry of the contract. I can understand three or four months, but a year and a half is unacceptably long - and wrong.

While i am not a supporter of unions in general - particularly the ones that make outrageous demands - in this case I support the strike. Obviously there has not been effective bargaining - probably from both sides, but certainly from management.

On the bright side, maybe Via and the union will be forced into a binding arbitration by government, enabling the resumption of service and the future life of Via.

On the dark side, maybe this spells the end for passenger rail service in Canada, in which case workers and management will be unemployed - the latter without severance packages and bonuses. If "management" manages to destroy the industry through lack of reasonable bargaining, they deserve nothing but our contempt.


Pam
said
0 0

To those of you that have stated that the rail service should be scrapped. Do you use the rail system? Do you put your life in the hands of the engineers? Do you get more than the quoted $20.00 an hour for your job of sitting all day and not taking other people's lives in your hands??

Thank you engineers for ensuring my safety and getting me to my destinations. You deserve a raise and the money should be deducted from the top management's over rated salaries.

For some of us rail service is cheaper and safer than driving on the highway - an example - Highway 401 - how many people die on that roadway each year compared to those that die on the rail system??





JP in Ontario
said
0 0

"Fatman" and Arty, I applaud your insight into this issue. This union appears to be holding to the standard of protecting its workers. It has been patient, and is resorting to its last tactic after a great deal of time. Those of you who are so viscously opposed to unions would do well to take this into account with the Via Engineers. I am a member of a union which supports essential services and we do not get to strike. We have binding arbitration. It works. We recently negotiated a new contract, and in our case, the company offered more than we were expecting due to global financial issues, and as such we rapidly accepted the contract. What I would request here is those of you so opposed to unions, take a minute and determine if yours is a valid, well formed argument against them, rather than just bashing. Plus, dont go railing on at your union member neighbors, sometimes all the negotiating and sabre rattling is strictly union heads, and not their representation. Frequently its said and done before all union members know whats been decided for them, and they are force fed something. Union leadership structures should be reviewed, not a complete banning of unions as some folks are demanding.


Dave, Ottawa
said
0 0

Tom in North Bay: I have spent my entire working life without a contract, in a little place I like to call the private sector.

Yes, workers have rights... we have the right to quit and find employment elsewhere if we do not like our terms of employment. Employers have the right to fire you if you don't do your job. Simple as that.

This sense of entitlement that unionized employees posess is mind boggling. But, as someone once said, we are entitled to our entitlements.


Dino H
said
0 0

Unions MUST go before they collapse the economy. We need to move forward not backwards
Enough of the greedy people
Lots of people out there ready to start working



Andrea
said
0 0

The reason why I am saying this is a problem is because people are travelling from Ottawa to Toronto , and Montreal, usually by VIA rail because it is faster then taking the bus, and cheaper then the plane. Then once they get into the city,they can catch an international airline, or flight to get to their destination from the airport.There are some airlines that do not fly out of Ottawa airport.So travellers have no choice but to catch their flights from Toronto, or Montreal. Taking the bus can cause people to have to take other flights, or causing people to miss their flights from Toronto or Montreal.

If travellers have already set their travel arrangements, now they have to change them because of the amount of time it takes for the bus to get to Toronto, and Montreal.

Remember there is an airport near the VIA train station in Toronto.


Helen-Jean - London
said
0 0

These unions - what more do they want???? The wages are higher than average, there are benefits that many citizens do not have, an easy job knowing that there are no lay-offs, plus overtime! Disband the unions or make them classed as an essential service so that they cannot strike, I am fed up with the greedy unions and their parasitic bosses. Why should they be allowed to hold Canadian citizens hostage and deprive our country out of much-needed funds in these times of recession? I won't even mention the obvious lack of mentality.


Sheldoninalberta
said
0 0

What a joke! Engineers already make lots of money driving on the rails. An even bigger joke...is the fact that it costs an arm and a leg to ride the train. Until I see lower, more affordable prices to take the train...I will be opting for cheap flights.


MelP
said
0 0

Come on Via...4 years without a wage agreement... what do u expect, work for nothing....meanwhile all the ministers get their annual increases, for what we don't know, ..feds are a joke...Via mgt is a joke...

I am not in favor of unions but gee even I can recognize a bad deal....


Manny in PEI
said
0 0

Of course it is always the unions fault. Heaven forbid a group of people come together to speak out against management.

In the case of the Toronto garbage strike employees have been able to bank sick since 1955 like the city counselors can. They want the union to give that up yet when a counselor proposed the same for themselves it was soundly voted down. Seems TO city counsel cannot lead by example and maybe they should be contracted out.

As for binding arbitration, it can be great it its allowed. From 1996 to 2001 the Canadian federal government passed legislation prohibiting binding arbitration for its employees. Why? Management was fearful that the arbitrator would award more than they were prepared to offer.

As for Via rail 3 years without a contract is long enough. While we may be in a recession now (with many reports out there that the worst is over) this was not the case in 2006-2007. How come a deal could be reached then? Probably the union's fault!

As clearly I'm in the minority hear I expect most of you to continue your rant of abolishing unions and attacking my comments.


BC Economist
said
0 0

@ Tom in North Bay:

Tom, I would work for 3 years without a contract....come to think of it I HAVE worked my whole life without a contract! It's called working in the real world!

Most of us Canadians have never heard of job security and we rely on hard work and dedication to get us raises, promotions and hopefully keep our job! We don't rely on a bully Union to make greedy demands while the rest of the population is taking wage cuts!

I have seen it time and time again and it makes me sick. The company I work for has unionized employees in our shops, and every year I watch the young, hardworking guys get laid off while the older, lazy, complacent and borderline useless (not all, but lots) employees get to keep coming to work only because they are higher on the seniority list.

Sorry Unions, time to go.


elisa
said
0 0

B.Bell

I agree with you 100%.

I live in Northern Ont. The first economic blip (in the US) back in '07, was felt up here. We are all about logging and mining (which fortunately is doing well) up here). I worked in a construction office and got laid-off. My husband, who drove a log truck, was laid off and was never called back. Hundreds lost their jobs im mills up here, truckers lost their jobs and trucks, homes and businesses. My kids friends have moved away.

I am so sick and tired of hearing auto workers complaining. I am disgusted at all the job fairs going on for laid off CEOs (Stelco last year). I can't believe how selfish Canadians really are.

To all those who still have jobs, put yourself in our shoes...we don't deserve to be treated the way we are up here, we work just as hard, if not harder, as you. Bush work is not the easiest job, esp when it is -40...so you can have your lumber for whatever you need down south, or wherever in the world...we do contribute globally as well.

So, all I can say to striking workers in Canada...grow up and be thankful for WHAT you still have.


CarlAB
said
0 0

Cities on strike. Transport on strike. It's like we live in France except that we don't get 6 weeks vacation...well, unless your sick days count ;)


pete
said
0 0

Why would anyone be in favour of strike with this economy is beyond my comprehension.

Madness!


davidovich
said
0 0

I know a Via Rail ticket agent in a small town that sits on her butt all day and does nothing but read.
Oh yeah, she sells a few tickets a day and makes close to $30 an hour for her troubles.

I tell you what - break the union and you can hire me for $15 an hour to sit around and read all day long. Sounds like a good gig if you can get it.


Rheanneg
said
0 0

I think some people need to educate themselves before making comments. And for those who know the issues, I applaud you for having an educated opinion. Not everything is about money! I support the engineers 100%, and would be proud to stand on the picket line with them! Way to stand up for your rights.


Alan
said
0 0

We don't know the details but I am sure thinking whatever settlement they get will be different than what they might have got in Dec 2006 with the current state of the economy. This is, I am sure, part of the issue they are facing. There is no excuse for going over two years without a contract and now to throw this at the public. It is disgusting on the part of both management and the union.

The unions are sure winning friends with their choice of strike timings though but then it is all about their having clout. Who cares one iota about the public. Sorry I am confused I thought the public paid for all this. Silly me.


cantuc
said
0 0

Sell it .


Peter D
said
0 0

Aside from bashing the engineers or their union why not ask WHY they were working without a contract for three years ? THREE YEARS...just how complicated were the issues ??


Pierre from Ottawa
said
0 0

Story brings back bad memories of the Ottawa transit strike we had to endure which lasted 60 days. Because of the strike (started December 10th, 2008 and ended in February 2009), a lot of people loss their jobs and a host of businesses went belly up as strike occured during Christmas time - the busiest time for retailers.

Does the words "essential service" come to mind????


Jonah
said
0 0

"The train engineers have been without a contract since Dec. 31, 2006. A federal mediator had been appointed to help broker a deal, and until Friday both sides said they were hopeful a deal could be reached."

If they can't come to an agreement after in two and a half years, WITH a mediator to help, then they should be forced into binding arbitration.




Mike, Ottawa
said
0 0

I feel for the Canadian Forces members who have been offered free travel by Via for the month of July, as a thank-you for their service to Canada. I personnaly know several folks who have taken advantage of this and it appears many will be stranded. Via is offering rebates to the paying public for cancelled tickets, but what will they do for servicemen and women that are at their vacation destination with no-cost return tickets? These folks will be forced to shell out a lot of money to get their families home. A fine thank-you for your service to your country that is!!


Steve
said
0 0

I don't use VIA Rail for any of my travels because honestly, I don't find it all that economical, as I'm sure there are many out there that would agree. Having said that, what would possibly make this union think that going on strike is going help. The increases in wages will be passed onto the consumers and then people will start second guessing using the train because its too expensive. The company will loose money, have to make cuts to services and staff and then I'm guessing, they'll ask the government for handouts to help them in their 'rough economic times'. Ultimately, we as tax payers will be paying for their raises and I guess this is where I have a real problem, because I didn't get any raises so why should I end up funding theirs?


Patrick
said
0 0

What else is toronto going to get? 2 strikes.. outrageous. People need to start talking..


John from TO
said
0 0

To
Mark Smith (Montreal QC)

You hit the nail right on the head with that one!!! Somebody buy this guy a beer.


Steve G
said
0 0

I would suspect that those who are saying such assinine things as "unions have outlived their usefullness" etc are not union members nor pay union dues. That negates the validity of your comments.

Speaking as a union member, who pays union dues (about $1500/year), I can tell you first hand that not only is this expense worthwhile, the return on investment is better than any other investment I have ever held.

If you don't want to be part of a union, that is your choice, and I respect that, but you lose credibility when you complain about the wages and benefits of those who do.

If you want to enjoy the wages and benefits that a union can negotiate for you, please join. All you have to do is go to any union's web site, and they will show how quickly and easily organizing your workplace can be done.


M Smith - Kitchener
said
0 0

Let's get on the Strike Train!
I feel bad for the 12000 people/day who may not have their commuter ability with VIA rail. The the Rail industry has not been strong, and not the preferred means of travel of many.

They are putting them out of business with a strike, but I guess that's one more peg on the charts for the Unions.


ron in victoria
said
0 0

via rail loses money, taxpayers pay,unions job is to increase benifits. this is really a tax-grab by the union. only answer is to privatize via and if they go broke [like gm] adios!!


Dave from Toronto
said
0 0

High speed automated rail service is the answer.


Cal in Ottawa
said
0 0

Wouldn't it be nice if the news stories would give us an idea of what the issues are? For workers to be without a contract for almost 3 years while managers get performance bonuses just strikes me as wrong. I do not support unions in general, especially in the case of the TO workers who want to bank sick days, but in this case there is something wrong.


Brad
said
0 0

Via Rail should cut all these over-paid engineers loose, and hire some new replacements.

If they were unemployed, maybe there would be some appreciation for what they have (good wages & benefits)

Disgusting behaviour for so-called skilled workers.


KDu
said
0 0

I'm getting sick and tired of people who pooh pooh the continued exploitation of the working man/woman. Maybe you ought to ask yourself if you yourself feel over-paid? There's always a Chinese national willing to work your job for 45 cents per hour - perhaps what are inadvertantly arguing for is to have your job shipped to China. Listen, globalization has done much harm to our society - the wealthy are indeed getting wealthier but the hard working parents are losing ground. The cost? Let's look....consumer confidence dropping, less children being born. Already our population is demanding more immigration to sustain itself. The poor and unemployed and underemployed and underpaid will reek havoic to our way of life and then you'll point your finger and utter the word "socialist" so you can strip whatever dignity they have left. I don't want to create another Mexico in our country where the crime swells and neither do you since down there the middle class and elite are constant targets.

Reasonable wages sustain the life we enjoy today.


Paul in Pickering
said
0 0

To Tom in North Bay
I've been working for 40 years as a salaried employee so I've never been able to hold my employer and my country hostage like you union guys do.




Concerned
said
0 0

I am an employee for VIA Rail. I am not an engineer. We are not on strike but maybe be out of luck anyway. They want to complain about 44/hour or 110,000/year? Give me that pay and I'll never complain.

Hard to simply do your job eh guys?


John
said
0 0

To everyone who says that not having a contract is worth striking for, then you don't live in the real world. Hundreds of thousands of canadians would do the same job, for less money and no contract.

The problem is that the union is willing to hurt not only their employer, but the entire population to get what they want.






Stephen Joseph
said
0 0

"Via Rail, the Striking way to travel" I guess Greyhound will bring in the big bucks...


LDL in ONT
said
0 0

I don't follow all the union bashing. It's seems that all services that protect human health and safety have essential service agreements that prevent people from striking. Everything else is free game. It's a free country and it's really nobody elses business what an employer and the employees do. Now if you think Garbage pick-up should be an essential service I would agree with you, but as far as rail service or the automotive sector or anything else goes, people have a right to unionize and strike be it at their peril or not.


Lynn in Hamilton
said
0 0

I am a huge fan of VIA rail and everytime I travel from Toronto to Halifax I take the train. It is a beautiful ride. People need to ask themselves how long they would be willing to go with out a contract before walking out on strike. I don't like the fact that they are out on strike but in all fairness, they have worked the last 2.5 years without a contract. Would you go that long without a contract? I think they have tried everything possible not to go out on strike but something has to give eventually.


R D
said
0 0

This whole thing is absolute nonsense. First of all, over 2 1/2 years without a contract. Both sides are to blame for that. To blame only the union, forget it. Here's my take on it. With such a large service that is nation wide, one side or the other should be required by labour law, to notify the other side of their intention to begin negotiations 180 days prior to the end of the contract. The receiving side must reply within 5 days. The first meeting must be held within the next 20 days. It is usually the union which puts forth the first proposal, so let it be such.Management will have a maximum of 10 days to reply. No more of this"We'll get back to you in 2 months". That's rubbish. For those 180 days, the sole job of both negotiating teams is to get a new and acceptable contract. All should be settled and accepted about 10 to 20 days prior to the expiration of the old contract. These 12, 24, and 48 hour bargaining marathons should be a thing of the past.


David
said
0 0

I plan on offering rides from Union to Montreal downtown for $ 150 or families up to 5 for $500

I'm leaving today @ 4:30 and return from Montreal @ 7:00am


Elonzo
said
0 0

Via's Rail's entire HR department should be fired for gross incompetence. Leaving employees without a contract for three full years is unacceptable in this day and age. Little tip from my Industrial Relations text: negotiation should commence 4-6 months before the expiration of the contract so that both sides may avail themselves of the latest trends in salaries, financial status of the company and cost of living data. So essentially the HR dept did what for three years!!! Shame!


Doug BC
said
0 0

I am amused by some of these comments. We complain about "unions" wanting more money, yet we would all like to make more money. Heck our the governing Tories put profits over people. The way to deal with this is to identify services such as transportation and public service as essential, and do not allow strikes.


Marty
said
0 0

I have said this before and will say it again: All these strikers shoud be grateful that they have a job to go to. There are plenty of unemployed people out there who would be glad to do what these greedy union people are doing, and for the same wage.



Ron In Niagara
said
0 0

I have always felt that when any workforce goes on strike they don't get any pay:

Understanable:

Then by the same thought so should the Union leaders. After all the union works for the labour force thus gets paid by these workers SO simple deduction I don't get paid YOU don't get paid !

You work for me ---I don't work for you.

Wonder how long any dispute would last under these rules


Bill in Peterborough
said
0 0

Someone will have to explain to me why the feds are in the railway business at all in 2009. Privatize the system and let the private companies hire their own staff.

I don't begrudge anyone good wages and benefits, but unions just want more and more and more...and they seem to want to do less to get it...


Shelley
said
0 0

I think that some people on this forum need an education on the value of unions to Canadian employees. Unions have helped the Canadian workers to ensure not only health and safety on the job but also fair and decent wages, pensions, benefits to name a few. If it were not for unions we would all be making minimum wage and our lives would be at risk everyday on the job.

These engineers at VIA deserve a contract after theirs expired 3 years ago. I applaud them for standing up for their rights and commend them for working for 3 years without a contract. This is a free country and everyone has a right to stand up and be heard. I hope these engineers stay on strike until they get a fair and just collective agreement. Come on people, don't begrudge them their rights as unionized employees. So you may have to take a bus instead, is it really that bad? I'm hoping this strike is long and that in the end the employees get what they deserve.


E Jack
said
0 0

The positive side of this is these greedy Teamster unionists will be forcing the layoffs of other greedy CAW unionists.


Matt L, Richmond Hill
said
0 0

It is times like these when the citizens of Toronto, Ontario, and Canada realize how important such services are. The simple answer... PRIVATIZE... it's what they've done in York Region with their garbage workers... and privatization of a company such as Via Rail by an enthusiastic owner will finally bring the improved services our country, and more importantly, the Windsor-Quebec City Corridor is so desperately needing. Instead of relying on the Politicians control over these Crown Corporations, privatize and restructure VIA Rail Canada's operations and their workers contract. THEN we'll see progress.


simon
said
0 0

Hello!
Get Paul Martin Back !!!


Clark Patermabeedenhosenbergovskishein from K-Town
said
0 0

I remember when taking the train actually was worth it. Now it costs much more for less service. There should be an express train with no add-ons that just goes from Toronto to Kingston.


Jay-TO
said
0 0

Interesting. I never went on a rant but my comment never got published. I guess my POV was not conservative enough for CTV. Don't wanna rock the anti-union love in I guess.


Gord
said
0 0

There are 10 front end crew changes between Toronto and Winnipeg and 5 crew changes between Windsor and Montreal and 3 crew changes between Toronto and Montreal. These union work rules can be traced back to the days of steam locomotives when it took approximately 8 hours to travel 125 miles. Thus crew changes were made at approximately every 125 miles.

These days passenger crews are on duty approximately 2.5 hours to travel 125 miles and freight crews on duty approximately 4 hours to travel 125 miles to earn a day's pay. Locomotives are comfortably equipped with sound proofing and AC. CTC [centralized traffic control signalling and electric switches] is controlled by an RTC [rail traffic controller, either in Calgary or Edmonton who is in direct telephone contract with locomotive engineers] and as a result seldom do train crews ever have to leave the cab to throw switches ot do anything on the ground. While very comfortable, locomotive crews have to be alert at all times and obey signals and verbal instructions from the RTC. At crew change points crew are taken by taxi to local motels at the railroad's expense to await a trip back home.

On GO trains crews man trains from outlying areas to Union Station in the morning and earn a full day's pay in about 2 hours and that same crew mans that same train back to outlying areas from Union Station and earn another day's pay for the 2 hour trip home.GO locomotive crews follow verbal instructions and signals controlled by an RTC in Union Station.

Seniority rules and these cushy assignments are assigned to senior crew only and is used as a way to boost pensions since rail pensions are an average of the best 5 years of an employees last 10 years service.




Brad in T.O.
said
0 0

The engineers have just barely begun their strike(which I do not support) and already people are calling for bac to work legislation. Yet the city of Toronto workers have been on strike for weeks creating a "REAL" stink in the city and people are not calling for back to work legislation for these workers. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE. I think that it is FAR FAR more important that the city workers be forced back to work than the engineers. Let's put the proper perspective on the situation folks!!!


Michael from Toronto
said
0 0

Contract? What contract?

Wake up! Most people who work in the private sector do not have work contracts unless they are self-employed. We get a pay increase when the company does well and when the economy is good. We lose pay, benefits or get laid off if our employers don't do well... no goofing off or free lunches.

When I want a salary increase my best strategy has always been promotion to do more demanding work or switch jobs. I don't go on strike.

If you want better pay - get a more demanding job and work for your salary increase!


Brent
said
0 0

Sure a contract is wonderful. two consecutive days off is great, and people should get that relatively frequently if not all the time. (taking numbers that are from these comments but completely unverified) If they make 110k a year and have to work 6 days a week, have they, or will they consider 91k a year if they get two days a week off? Then Via can hire about 16% more engineers (job creation!), and everybody wins. (I know it isn't that simple. but frankly 110k is more than anyone who works for a money-losing public service should expect in trying times.)

Ask yourself what the hours in your day are worth. Spend enough of them working to meet your present and future needs. If what you want can't be afforded by what you can afford to spend, then the lifestyle is out of your reach. Rethink your goals like the rest of us have to


Jeff in Kingston
said
0 0

I must admit it is a bit much to be without a contract for 2.5 years if the only outstanding issue is two consecutive days off. However; I get the sense that there is more to this than is reported... salaries perhaps? I would be curious to hear just how much a VIA engineer makes annually.... probably enough to go without two consecutive days off.


Richard L. Provencher
said
0 0

It is time for our government to legislate the end to strikes by any service deemed essential to the comfort of this country. Anything such as this which affects the free movement of tourists, workers, or citizens whose lives are affected by a strike should be stopped. Otherwise we will always be hostages to rail, garbage, health care, etc. unions. Enough I say. Imagine as our country struggles to get out of a global recession, we have folks who prefer to throw a tantrum and affect the lives of so many. If you have a job today, be happy. Am I the only senior citizen who thinks like this?


Mike
said
0 0

I would not the least bit surprised that the union is once again trying to hurt the Canadian travellers the best way it can in an attempt to satisfy their greed.
What was their beef, money, goodies, freebies again and again.
All unions are alike and never hisitate to take the population hostage.
Unfortunately, there is no politician with sufficient guts to face these vultures and fire the engineer lot as a starter and get the trains rolling.


Peeved off
said
0 0

Needless to say that I HATE THE UNIONS more and more each day.

Crying abusive babies.


Engineer's Spouse
said
0 0

Oh my, we have alot of negative opinions without knowing the facts. Folks obviously this is not a money issue. They make a comfortable salary. The issue is working conditions.

It's hard to be away from home 24 hrs and be told he have to add another portion to your trip, bringing your hours away from home to 36 or 48. That and the fact they will have loose 2 days off together.

It's a hard and tiring job. They deserve a decent rest schedule. Lighten up folks


Phil
said
0 0

Up side to this, it could somewhat curtail the spread of H1N1, but what doesn't help is the garbage in Toronto that is not picked up. An unhealthy situation like that could lower peoples immune systems across the board, a field day for the swine flu!

You know people are very good in classifying personalities, a mechanism that you could swear that is built in at birth. In Toronto, and other places as a matter of fact, why not channel this skill on the Garbage, classifying it in plies and everybody would be more busy and happy... and you get... A CLEAN CITY or what not!

But I'm just a dreamer!


Romeo
said
0 0

Our governments give too much freedom to its people. Too much freedom where its used against the free will of innocent Canadians.

First the Garbage strike, now the Via Rail strike. A dictator leadership is required in Canada who will fix all these low life money hungry morans.

Fire each and everyone of them. Fire all the politicians too who are dealing with it.

Unionization of buinesses or sectors will fail the economy by taking a percentage of the revenue. Those money could have been used in creating more jobs. Say NO TO UNIONS, they are nothing but a problem makers.

Maybe I should run for office. I swear to GOD, I will fix these doshbags and clean the streets of crimes that no one has ever done even if I have to patrol the streets myself at night. LOL


Bubba
said
0 0

No collective agreement settlement should drag on like this one since mid 2006. However, unions never give up anything and would rather go down with the ship than cave.
Most locomotive crews earn from 100 to 125 grand or more each year plus benefits and pension credits. It takes two crews to travel to Windsor or Sudbury both approx 250 miles from Toronto. Passenger trains take about 2.5 hours to travel 125 miles and freight trains approx 4 hours. Each 125 miles travelled earns a full days pay for each of the crews. The railroad pays for taxi's and motels for crews waiting for a trip back home.
I thing the railroad is trying to break this mileage tradition dating back to steam locomotives and the union has dug in and said no.


Joy
said
0 0

All these unionized workers who have been striking lately seem to forget that their situations are very fortunate compared to the majority of Canadians. In virtually every instance, the workers are not being asked to accept anything absurd - simply realistic - so there's no other explanation aside from greed for why these offers are being flatly turned down. So either be thankful for what you have or move over because I guarantee there would be a very long line-up for even a fraction of what you receive...


Randy
said
0 0

Strike; Strike; Strike...its getting ridiculous in these economic times. So many people are losing their jobs or have lost them due to the economic impact these times are having on businesses. I think more companies need to stand up to the unions and be like Maple Leaf in Edmonton a few years back when they told the union "you go on strike, we close the plant permanently". the union didn't believe them and the company did just that. Once closed where was the union for the workers? no where to be found. They abandoned the worker. but then why not do that as the fat cat union bosses weren't getting union dues from these workers any longer. Just like in BC here with our paramedics screaming for a 40% wage increase! Come on who in their right mind deserves a wage increase of 40%? Enigineers have it cushy.. they already make well over $100,000 a year for only a few hours worked in a workday. The only rail workers in my opinion that deserve more in working conditions, etc are the laborers that replace and maintain the tracks....those are the ones who keep the railway going not the cushy job engineers!!


Steve in Kingston
said
0 0

This message is for "Engineer's Spouse". I feel your pain. I was in the military and was gone constantly. Sometimes up to seven months at a time. Some would say that this is a choice you make when you do that kind of job, so the sympathy over being gone for 24+ hours, sorry it ain't there...


Penny
said
0 0

3 Years without a contract? BIG DEAL. You are still making wage and employed right?

IS VIA making BILLIONS...ops..... MIllions.... ops..... Is VIA making anything without Tax payer subsidies? Perhaps the Unions of these people should get a REAL wage like the rest of us who are still employed.

Just because you don't have a contract doesn't mean you are not making good money. But to go on strike while the rest of us are in a pickle is DISGUISTING. I am SO GLAD that while on strike, you CANT get EI insurance.


Don
said
0 0

Locomotive crews earn approx 100 to 125 grand per year plus benefits and pensions for each trip of approx 125 miles travelled which takes 2 1/2 hours for passenger and four hours for freight trains. Not too shabby for such short work days.. Even the club car stewart hustling drinks and sandwiches in the club car earns approx 60 grand a year plus benefits and pensions. Via Rail lives on handouts from the Feds and guess where the Feds get this money.


Vic
said
0 0

I grew up in a union house in Northern Ontario and I saw how unions gave my Dad dignity, decent wages, underground mine safety regs, health care and a pension and enabled him to feed us.
His union helped create the middle class.

Now it seems, these unions extort, hold the public hostage and seem to be run like mob bosses run their mobs rather than add anything to society in general and contribute to the public good. My Dad good union man that he was would roll over in his grave at what unions have become and how selfish they are.


ziad@quebec
said
0 0

unions are not an issue those via rail employees are with out a new contract since 2006 the company is at fault ...so goes to GM issue the company was at fault too insisting on producing suvs 8 cylinders while canada and usa is at war and the gaz is on the rise ...forget both ...i was working for a transport company no union included the company moved to vaudreuil where they purchased a new terminal at 10 million dollars 2007 cut our bonus to half "nothing big realy to start with + no raise, 2008 no bonus no raise !! 2009 no bonus no raise ..when ever we discuss it with managment the answer was we have no money ...so i told my boss my opinion about him and the main office specialy that after moving to vaudreuil i had to spend 260 dollars per month just for comuting to work ! ..result i was fired ..in short most comapnies in canada have no respect to their employees and the government is very affraid to oblige those companies with anything so they don't take their investments elsse where maybe afghanistan ?! LOL SERIOUCLY ...


Doug
said
0 0

Locomotive crews are paid by the mileage travelled and they are not hourly paid.
The railroads had been trying to change all of that since crews change every approximately 125 miles that takes a passenger train 2 1/2 hour and a freight train four hours to travel. Each locomotive crew member is paid a full day's pay for this 2 1/2 hour or four hour trip. And so a passenger train travelling from Windsor to Montreal a distance of approximatley 625 miles would take approximately 12 1/2 hours and a crew of 10 each being paid a full day's pay and averaging about 100 grand a year.

A freight train travelling the same route would take approximately 20 hours and a crew of 10 each being paid about 100 grand a year. Is it any wonder the union is fighting a change to hourly paid rather than mileage paid?


THE Fatman
said
0 0

I find it hard to fathom some of the comments here regarding the locomotive engineers and I'm left wondering if those submitting them have any idea of what the requirements are for a person to climb up into the front seat of a modern Via Rail passenger train and take her for a spin! I get the feeling many of those posting comments think anybody under the sun could just hop aboard, turn the key, start the engine, shift from park to drive and off they go. Kinda so easy a cave man could do it! Right?

Wrong!

The modern passenger train locomotive is a highly complex piece of machinery and for operation requires a highly trained crew. One doesn't reach 'engineer' status overnight, his 'license' isn't found in the bottom of a cereal box! He achieves his position only through hard work and study, nothing else, there's no easy way. The engineer carries a heavy burden when doing his job, he's responsible for the others in his crew, millions of dollars worth of equipment, hundreds of tons of rolling stock hurling along at 60, 70 or even 80 miles an hour, and at times, hundreds of lives. For achieving his position as engineer and bearing the responsibilities he does he should be compensated accordingly.

Not long ago I saw the 'Golden List' for our area, those that the provincial and municipal governments pay over $100,000 per year. Many on that list don't and never will require the qualifications or bear the responsibilities of a passenger locomotive engineer, so, what should they be paid, you go figure.....

No, I am not and never have been a locomotive engineer, not in this lifetime nor in any of my past..........nor am I related in any way to one!


Frank in Hamilton
said
0 0

What part of "2 1/2 years" without a contract are you people missing?VIA RAIL is increasing work hours, trying to shorten rest time between trips and shrinking safety training. All the union is doing ios trying to maintain status quo. They is forced into a strike that no one wants! Wise up people. Bitch about VIA management and the way they are impacting your lives.


Dr John Daintree
said
0 0

I am fed to the teeth with these trade unions who choose to blackmail the public to satisfy their wishes.
The lack of a contract for such a long time reflects very badly on both sides.
The Government should step in and put these people back to work immediately. The new agreement will cover the increase in wages and be backdated.


Gary
said
0 0

so now lets go on strike agains't Via and take the bus or car..I'm sick of being held hostage by greedy unions...bring back true free enterprise and commercial competion and get rid of those that are draining our economy and driving up the little guys cost of living...time for a reality check cause we now seem to need a people's union to keep the unions in check


J Daintree
said
0 0

Once again a trade union mistreats and blackmails the public to satisfy their demands. It is high time that the public had some weapon to defend themselves against the unions and their selfish actions.


Joe Conservative
said
0 0

IF they want MORE MONEY, they should increase their value by educating themselves, starting a business, learn to invest.

Asking for the $1/h or whatever it is really won't make the same difference if they were to take up a profitable enterprise on their own.


Steph
said
0 0

For those who are blaming the union for "extortion", just remember this: It is the employees who decide to go on strike, not the union. They simply inform them if they can get a better deal, or if they feel they should settle. As well, having been employed with 2 positions which were unionized, one being a teaching job where we are not even legally allowed to go on strike, the bargaining committee is generally comprised of employees. It is easy to become frustrated because life is "inconvenienced", however, unions are there to protect the rights of the employee. Employers get away with a lot of unjust actions when there are no unions.


Colin Harrison
said
0 0

I am tired of this whole country. People say Canada is the best country,well its not when people can strike every month and stop services.Look at the Oc Transpo strike, it was over 50 days and that is just buses, Think about how long the trains could be out. People in this country need to step up like Ronald Reagan did in the 1980s air traffic strike and fire them all and replace them with people who are willing to work with the current pay.


Jo
said
0 0

Even more proof that Unions do nothing but encourage selfishness. Unions need to be banned! What the Unions don't tell their members is that the ones who actually work hard and do their jobs would make more money if there was no Union! I sure wouldn't put up with paying Union Dues just so someone else who doesn't work as hard as I do can get paid the same as me!
Unions not only encourage selfishness, but poor work ethic as well! They need to be GONE! Why does the general public always have to suffer when these people who usually already make above average income want more more more to do less less less.


russ
said
0 0

I live in an area that is not serviced by VIA Rail only because they thought by cutting service they might save money. With this strike and all the money they will save as a result, perhaps they might reconsider returning service to the Lake Superior Region.

I, like many others, love to travel by train and have been trying unsuccessfully to convince the government that we who live along Lake Superior are also taxpayors and contribute to the survival of VIA. As for being inconvenience by the strike, let them negotiate a contract that is fair and meaningful. We live in a democratic society and have every right to equal and fair treatment. Therefore, we have endure the frustrations of strikes and this one is no different. VIA Rail is doing everything necessary to accommodate those affected and ensuring they arrive at their destinations. Patience everyone.


katelin
said
0 0

this strike sucks. now instead of taking a 4.5 hour train ride, i have have to take a 10 hour bus ride. :(


Wayne
said
0 0

Lots of comments stating to get rid of unions. I have been part of a union, and have been abused by my union representatives. However, if we abolish unions we will just end up with management abuse and greed I.E Banking institutions, some areas of the auto sector, restaraunt industry, etc. True, union leadership is not like that of Bob White, which is why public anger and outcry is demanding unions cease. Good union leadership is the key. Some common sense would also help too.... holding off a strike until the financial woes and the crap with the auto sector cools would have been a better option.


Joanne
said
0 0

They have been WORKING WITHOUT A CONTRACT for two and a half years!!! Who works that long without a contract. This should have been settled BEFORE the contract was even up - it didn't come as a big surprise, did it. I can never figure out how any union contract with a company can come as a surprise. The company seems to wait and stall and stall until it pushes the union to this action, and have the nerve to get upset when they strike. If they had all bargained in good faith, this wouldn't have happened. The timing of the union is particularly bad in this economy, but the company needs to step up and take responsibilty for this action.


Brandon (St. Catharines, ON)
said
0 0

Everyone is striking nowadays. When is the Prime Minister going to strike? I am waiting!


Mike - Ottawa
said
0 0

Steph.

Do not ever forget that these same employees are brainwaished to the top of their head and totally blind as to what their brain operates.
As long as the big arms union leaders do not hesitate to yell as loud as they can so that these poor saps become a mouse, the unions will continue to the blackmail.
Nothing better than leading a blind horse to a water hole.


steve
said
0 0

I'm a union member and to tell you the truth if we didn't fight for what we want we wouldn't get a decent salary we would be paid minimum wage...so I think these guys should be supported... some people don't know what unions are all about just ask your grand father maybe he could explain it to you..these people are only fighting for what they should have...so I suggest to take a bus or a jet to get to your destination and leave the union people alone...


Jay
said
0 0

THE Fatman
Take the oc transpo strike sure on the surface it did seem fair. They wanted a raise plus sick days and benifits. When what they really wanted started to come out you sort of say wow that is a bit much. At first reports were they wanted a 11% pay raise more sick days and more benifits plus they did want a work rest rule and no changes to the ot system that was beeing abused.The city one issue was the over time and the union refused to move on that so it was we want.


Mike - Ottawa
said
0 0

steve

Like it or not steve, I want you to know that I have worked over 40 years without ever being unionized and am extremely proud of what I have today by always been able to feed my family well.
I never needed needed a crutch to live.
Take notice that I am a common labourer who, whenever my place of employment wanted to force me to join a union, I just looked for another job. Never accepted the fact that I should have to pay for a protection racket which exists with ALL THE UNIONS. From what I have experienced, union mostly needed for the lazy and incompentent individuals.
Am now over 75 and enjoy life to the fullest.
No greed just an older vehicle, not two which can take take safely for all my travelings.


Artthe1
said
0 0

Well, looks like Amtrak might make tons of money off this.


JC
said
0 0

VIA has long been disfunctional and offered mediocre service at best. Time to let the company fold for good and start fresh.


MAL of TO
said
0 0

Are we having a groundhog day movie but with April 1 instead.... ANOTHER union walks off during the largest recession in decades....... Trains are basically automated these days, let's pull a Ron Reagan and declare them essential services... work or you've just quit.

Like the rest of us in the real world.


Harry, Calgary
said
0 0

I just returned from a 2-month vacation in India, home of the greatest rail system on earth, after traveling extensively by train. I have always LOVED trains and there is absolutely no other way to see the beauty of the countryside anywhere, especially, southern India.

These trains use diesel and electric locomotives and are run so efficiently by drivers who make about $2000 to $2500 a month. I am not sure how much these striking Canadian engineers make, but VIA should fire the whole lot, as Reagan did the air traffic controllers, and hire the brightest and the best from India. Then, it can sit back and watch the profits roll in! That will show these ingrates how lucky they used to be making the kind of money they were in this economy!! I hope VIA is listening.


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