No progress has been made in negotiations with Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) railway the union representing workers said yesterday. Earlier this month, rail workers from Canadian National and CPKC voted overwhelmingly to strike as soon as May 22. The federal government asked the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to look at whether the strike would have safety implications. The Teamsters said it met with the company and federal mediators on May 17. The groups parted ways and no more meetings have been scheduled. “Ultimately, no progress has been made on the Union’s demands this week. The Company clearly indicated its preference for arbitration over negotiation, suggesting it hopes for government intervention to stop collective bargaining.” CPKC said it has “done everything it can.” This includes two different offers to the union. It said TCRC refused an offer to resolve the dispute via binding arbitration.

Related coverage in Saltwire: CPKC says possible Canada rail strike unlikely before mid-July