Ontario Northland and Teamsters union negotiated five-year agreement for maintenance workers

Ontario Northland and its unionized maintenance workers have reached a tentative labour agreement.

A Jan. 15 news release announced the deal between Ontario Northland and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference Maintenance of Way Employees Division (TCRC MWED).

The union represents more than 125 employees, who maintain more than 1,100 kilometres of track spanning areas of Northern Ontario and northwestern Québec.

“This agreement balances the interests of employees with Ontario Northland’s operational requirements,” Danielle Baker, Ontario Northland’s director of human resources, in the release. “The five-year agreement will provide stability and we look forward to continuing to maintain and operate a safe railway together.”

Wade Phillips, director of the Teamsters’ Eastern Region, said he was pleased with the agreement.

“Our bargaining team worked hard and the agreement focuses on a number of topics that are important to the members of Ontario Northland,” he said.

The news release said details would be forthcoming.

Headquartered in North Bay, ONTC provides passenger and freight service across northeastern Ontario.

The Crown agency additionally operates a 150,000-square-foot remanufacturing and repair shop, which specializes in upgrading electrical and mechanical systems, completing truck overhauls, and offering interior design and layout services.