Negotiations at CPRail

April 19, 2007

Brothers and Sisters,

After going to Calgary to resume negotiations, only to have the company back off, we are again at the table.

Following CPRail's failure to meet with us in Calgary on the dates that they chose, it was announced that we had recieved an 80% mandate in favour of a strike and that CPRail was not included in Bill C-46 (the back to work legislation for the UTU at CN).

We contiued discussions with the Federal Mediator and he suggested that CPRail meet with us in Vancouver for exploratory talks and now they readily agreed. We met on Wednesday April 18th for a few hours and are still in discussions today.

It is still premature to say whether these talks will be fruitful, but we are doing everything within our power to get you a fair negotiated settlement prior to serving strike notice. Its obvious from the strike mandate that you will not accept the company's previous offer and hopefully they have got that message, as they seem slightly more receptive.

I realize that everyone is concerned about the outcome of any and all bargaining sessions, and I will keep you apprised as it unfolds.

Stay safe, stay strong, stay united.

Bill Brehl
President
TCRC MWED