by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 1:10 PM ET, Wed May 28, 2025
Via Rail workers represented by Unifor handed their union an overwhelming strike mandate this week. 97.5 percent of the voters, made up of on-board service staff, maintenance crews, customer service agents, skilled trades and administrative employees agreed that strike action may be necessary if bargaining talks with their employer fail to find a satisfactory conclusion.
“Our goal is a fair agreement—not a strike,” said Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier. “But VIA Rail must understand that our members will not accept concessions and delay tactics. The time to reach a deal is now.”
The union’s bargaining committees say the employer is maintaining major concessions at the table, despite repeated calls to remove them. The employer has also failed to respond to the union’s monetary proposals, tabled in early May.
Despite the strong support, a strike is not imminent. The two sides are still in discussions under an ongoing federal conciliation process, which will last until May 31, 2025. After that is a mandated 21-day cooling off period, at which point the union would be in a legal position to strike on or after June 22.
The Globe and Mail reports that Via Rail would not be responsible for providing alternatives for travellers disrupted by the strike, but passengers would be eligible to modify their plans or apply for a refund.
In a statement, Unifor Unifor National President Lana Payne emphasised the commitment of members to work together. “Our members have shown they are united, determined, and ready to take action to protect good jobs and public rail service,” she said.
Topics From This Article to Explore
