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CPKC Says It Will Maintain Rail Operations Across Canada Despite Workers Strike
The union says 96% of members backed the strike after months of bargaining, while CPKC says contingency plans are keeping rail service moving.
On Sunday, May 31, 2026, approximately 300 signals workers represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Canadian Signals and Communications System Council No. 11 began a strike at Canadian Pacific Kansas City after rejecting the company's latest contract offers.
Backed by a 96-per-cent strike mandate vote, the union argues CPKC failed to meaningfully address recruitment, retention, compensation, and work-life balance concerns during months of bargaining.
CPKC implemented contingency plans to maintain operations across Canada and stated it remains "hopeful that a resolution can be reached quickly" while calling for binding arbitration.
IBEW official Jason Sommer said in a Sunday statement, "The bargaining committee did not take this step lightly," emphasizing the union remained committed to reaching a fair negotiated settlement.
These workers install and maintain signalling and communications systems across approximately 20,000 route miles, while CPKC continues offering wage increases consistent with collective agreements held with other unions.