FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2026
IBEW System Council No. 11 Raises Concerns Over Replacement Workers as CPKC Strike Enters Second Week
System Council No. 11 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), representing approximately 300 Signals & Communications employees employed by Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), is expressing serious concern as the legal strike enters its second week with no bargaining sessions having taken place since the withdrawal of services on May 31, 2026.
Despite the ongoing labour dispute, the Union remains available to resume negotiations with CPKC at any time. To date, however, no new bargaining meetings have been scheduled, and no meaningful discussions have taken place between the parties.
Adding to the Union’s concerns are what it believes to be violations of the federal anti-replacement worker legislation contained in Bill C-58. The Union has filed multiple complaints with the Canada Industrial Relations Board and continues to gather evidence relating to numerous additional incidents currently under review. The Canadian Industrial Relations Board has scheduled the first hearing regarding these complaints for June 15, 2026.
The Union has become aware of numerous instances in which replacement workers have allegedly been utilized to perform work normally performed by IBEW members. These reports include the use of contractors and members of other bargaining units to perform work traditionally and exclusively carried out by Signals & Communications employees represented by IBEW System Council No. 11.
The Union is actively documenting and investigating these reports and is working closely with legal counsel to pursue all available remedies under the Canada Labour Code.
“Bill C-58 was enacted to protect the integrity of collective bargaining and prevent employers from undermining legal strikes through the use of replacement workers,” said Senior General Chairman Jason Sommer. “We are deeply concerned by reports that work normally performed by our members continues to be performed by contractors and other personnel during this lawful strike.”
Sommer added that the Union remains committed to reaching a negotiated settlement.
“Our members did not take this step lightly. We remain available to meet with the Company immediately and continue to believe a negotiated agreement is in the best interests of both parties. However, the concerns that led to this strike remain unresolved.”
IBEW System Council No. 11 continues to stand with its members on picket lines across Canada while pursuing all available legal remedies regarding the reported violations of federal labour legislation.
Media Contact:
Jason Sommer
Senior General Chairman
IBEW System Council No. 11
613-827-4613
ibewsommer@proton.me