Strike by Teamster Canada Rail Conference Begins at VIA

Montreal - Some 340 locomotive engineers are now on strike. However, the federally appointed mediator asked to meet with both parties earlier this morning; they are still meeting.

As a consequence of the strike, VIA has no choice but to cease operations of Canada’s national passenger rail service immediately. Trains on the Sudbury-White River and Victoria-Courtenay routes will remain in service, as they are operated by third parties on VIA’s behalf.

“VIA has made a very fair offer to these employees. We are disappointed that the union has chosen to go on strike,” said Denis Pinsonneault, VIA Rail’s Chief People Officer.

Affected passengers may obtain a refund of any unused tickets.

To obtain updates, customers may visit viarail.ca or contact VIA at 1 888 VIA-RAIL (1 888 842-7245) or 1 800 268-9503 (hearing impaired).

VIA sincerely regrets any inconvenience that this situation may cause its customers.

VIA will hold media briefings around 2:30PM EDT at Central Station in Montreal and Union Station in Toronto.

About VIA Rail Canada

As Canada’s national passenger rail service, VIA Rail Canada provides efficient, environmentally sustainable and cost-effective transportation services to more than 450 communities, with a network of inter-city, transcontinental and regional remote trains operating across the country.