Unifor Local 100 employees in Eastern Passage have ratified a new three-year collective agreement.
A deal between the union and employer – CN rail – was reached on April 2, after the conciliator invited the union back to the negotiating table at the company’s request.
Unifor Local 100 represents roughly 200 employees at Autoport’s facility in Eastern Passage. They will return to work on Friday, April 5.
“We are pleased to have achieved a fair, negotiated agreement. We look forward to working with our returning employees,” said Doug MacDonald, executive vice-president and chief marketing officer at CN, in a statement.
Unifor’s workers have been striking at Autoport since February 27, 2024.
The strike was not without drama, as Unifor workers at Halifax’s Autoport terminal accused the employer of bringing in illegal replacement workers. “The planned use of scabs shows Autoport was not serious about reaching a fair agreement. The use of scab labour is proven to lengthen disputes and the company’s actions have only increased the difficulty of obtaining a deal,” said Lana Payne, Unifor national president in a statement.
In an emailed statement, Autoport spokesman Thomas Bateman said: “Autoport respects the right to peaceful and safe strike action and remains committed to achieving a fair negotiated settlement with the union. The company complies with all laws where it operates, including labour laws. The company’s contingency plan is focused on keeping the supply chain fluid and goods moving safely.”
The union’s Local 100 represents 239 employees at the Autoport vehicle processing and transshipment hub, situated in Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia. Operating under CN Rail, Autoport stands as one of the most extensive facilities of its kind in North America, processing and transshipping close to 185,000 vehicles annually.
