UPDATED: Solidarity with Canadian rail workers maintained as labor situation evolves

UPDATE (Aug. 23, 2024): The Canadian government acted to intervene in the rail dispute in Canada the evening of Aug. 22. We are continuing to monitor the situation and will update our guidance to members as time passes.

As many of you are aware, a significant situation is unfolding across our northern border. It’s important for all SMART Transportation Division members to understand what this means and how it could impact us.

Solidarity with our Canadian brothers and sisters

SMART-TD stands firmly in solidarity with our Canadian colleagues who are working to negotiate an equitable agreement. We recognize the challenges they are enduring and support their fight for fair working conditions. Our Canadian brothers and sisters are standing firm, and we are committed to supporting their cause.

Current impact and future risks

At this time, major disruptions to American rail traffic have not occurred. However, this situation has the potential to impact our operations significantly if the flow of freight between the U.S. and Canada is interrupted for a long period as the result of a labor dispute. Rail’s busiest season is just around the corner, and any ongoing disruption could lead to delays and logistical challenges for us.

The Aug. 22 lockout

Canadian rail carriers chose to implement a work stoppage while grain is still in the fields and before the holiday rush for commercial goods. This timing is likely aimed at minimizing complications related to the movement of these critical commodities during peak periods. The Canadian government intervened, and rail labor in Canada has announced its intention to strike. The situation is very fluid and can change quickly, as it did hours after the lockout was announced Aug. 22.

What we can do

As members of SMART-TD, it is essential for us to stay informed about the situation and to support our Canadian colleagues. We need to be vigilant and prepared for any potential impacts on our own operations and advocate for a resolution that respects workers’ rights and ensures fair treatment across the industry.

For SMART-TD members who interchange with Canadian railroads at our national border, it is important to remember your rights in this situation. SMART-TD’s office wants all our crews to be fully aware of their rights to abstain from duties that jeopardize their safety. In the event that you encounter a picket line, Section 92 of Article 21B in the SMART Constitution states that “When a strike of any other nationally recognized labor organization is in effect and danger to the safety of our members exists in or about the area affected by the strike, and/or if there exists any substantial present or potential threat of danger to the members en route to or from their work, and/or to the members’ families, it is the policy of SMART to support its members in declining to enter the territory directly affected.”

If you are ordered to perform duties that include crossing a picket line that puts your safety at risk, you must immediately inform management that you are not willing to do so., You should then inform your local chairperson and give them a detailed explanation of the series of events.

In solidarity, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and update you on any developments. Let’s remain united and proactive, ready to address any challenges that may arise from this lockout.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment..

— SMART Transportation Division