CPKC given strike notice by union for signals and communications workers

Signage is pictured at a Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) rail yard in Smiths Falls, Ont., Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

A union representing hundreds of signals and communications workers at one of Canada’s major railways says they will walk off the job Sunday morning unless a deal is reached.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers says it has given strike notice to Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd.

Union spokesman Jason Sommer says the roughly 300 workers, from Vancouver to Montreal, are largely concerned about wages, work-related expenses and work-life balance.

The union says retention issues are also at the forefront as experienced workers leave for other jobs that offer better pay and quality of life.

CPKC spokesman Terry Cunha says railway operations will continue in the event of a strike and that the company has made “fair and balanced” offers, with wage and benefit increases in line with those of other unions across Canada.

Both sides say they are committed to good-faith bargaining, with Cunha saying talks will continue into the weekend.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 27, 2026.

Aaron Sousa, The Canadian Press