Canadian Rail Workers' Union Fights Back Against Mandatory Job Order

A decision mandating over 9,000 Canadian rail workers to remain on the job could influence other federally regulated sectors, such as aviation. Paul Boucher, president of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, said the union will legally challenge the order, warning it could weaken workers' bargaining power.

A decision obliging more than 9,000 Canadian rail workers to stay on the job is a win for the railways and could impact bargaining in other federally regulated sectors like aviation, the head of a Canadian rail workers' union told Reuters.

Paul Boucher, president of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, also said the union would work with other labour groups as it mounts a legal challenge to a Saturday decision that halted work stoppages at the country's two largest railways and imposed arbitration. While the Teamsters will obey the order to return to work, the union has warned it could lead to the imposition of future contracts, eroding workers' bargaining power.

The decision comes as Air Canada pilots press for a new contract and can commence job action as early as mid-September if there is no agreement with the country's largest carrier.

(With inputs from agencies.)