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Via Rail workers to get two per cent wage increase after ratifying two-year contract

Negotiations put off due to the COVID-19 outbreak
The Canadian Press
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Cancelled rail arrivals and departures are listed on the board at Central Station in Montreal, Friday, Feb. 14, 2020. Via Rail unionized employees will receive a two per cent wage increase this year after ratifying two-year tentative agreements. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

MONTREAL — Via Rail unionized employees will receive a two per cent wage increase this year after ratifying two-year tentative agreements.

Unifor Council 4000 represents more than 1,600 Via employees in stations, on board trains, in call centres and in administrative offices.

The two-year agreements that expire Dec. 31 include the wage increase, benefit improvements and a review of some work rules.

Ratification of an agreement for maintenance centre employees has been postponed while the Canada Industrial Relations Board reviews a petition for certification filed in February by the Confederation of National Trade Unions.

Via Rail and Unifor agreed last March to put off negotiations due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“This is a good agreement in truly exceptional times,” stated local union president Dave Kissack.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 15, 2021.