(The Canadian Press)

By David Opinko

VIA Rail temporarily lays off 1,000 employees

Feb 19, 2020 | 12:15 PM

MONTREAL, QB – VIA Rail Canada has announced that a sizable portion of their workforce is being laid off temporarily.

On Tuesday, February 18th, the company said it obtained authorization from CN Rail to resume partial service between Quebec City, Montreal, and Ottawa, and to resume regular service in Southwestern Ontario (Toronto-Sarnia-Windsor-London-Niagara Falls) effective Thursday, February 20.

Just one day later, VIA Rail stated that they have no choice but to continue the cancellation of its services on a large part of their network.

“Therefore, it is with sincere regret that we must proceed with temporary work suspensions. Starting today, close to 1000 VIA Rail employees will receive a notice regarding this matter,” reads a media release from VIA Rail. “The terms of the collective agreements will be respected with regards to the notices given to unionized employees.”

President and CEO Cynthia Garneau said this relates to the ongoing demonstrations and blockades by supporters of the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs who oppose a natural gas pipeline in B.C.

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“This general interruption is an unprecedented situation in our history. In 42 years of existence, it is the first time that VIA Rail, a public intercity passenger rail service, has to interrupt most of its services across the country,”

“Since the beginning of the crisis, we have been closely working with the infrastructure owner in order to formulate a progressive, safe and orderly resumption plan. We have done everything to mitigate the impact on our employees and our passengers. At this point, we believe we have made the fairest and most reasonable decision with the proposed temporary suspension plan. I would like to thank all our union partners for their collaboration and comprehension.”

The company said is hopes for a “decisive resolution” between the various parties.