Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, has issued a strong condemnation against CN Autoport, accusing the company of resorting to legal tactics to harass and intimidate workers participating in a peaceful strike.
The dispute arose on the first day of the legally sanctioned strike when Autoport filed for an injunction, alleging that members of Unifor Local 100 were obstructing access to International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) workers. However, Unifor vehemently denies these accusations, labeling them as nothing more than an attempt to undermine the legitimate picketing efforts of its members.
Lana Payne, Unifor’s National President, denounced the injunction as a “scare tactic” by CN aimed at disrupting the lawful actions of their members.
“Our fight is for a fair contract, not to hinder the work of our fellow union members in the ILA,” Payne emphasized, characterizing CN’s actions as corporate bullying.
In response to Autoport’s claims presented to the Nova Scotia Supreme Court, Unifor asserts that its members have maintained peaceful picketing practices without impeding access to CN Autoport’s facilities. Cory Will, President of Unifor Local 100, reiterated the union’s commitment to their cause, stating, “Our members have conducted themselves with utmost respect and dignity, by legally picketing and standing firm for what is just.”
Unifor further rebukes CN’s alleged attempt to distort the nature of the strike and the conduct of its members, calling for the company to cease intimidation tactics and return to the bargaining table with sincerity.
Unifor Local 100 represents 239 employees at the Autoport vehicle processing and transshipment hub in Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia. Operating under CN Rail, Autoport is one of the largest facilities of its kind in North America, handling close to 185,000 vehicles annually.
The union’s stance underscores the broader mission of Unifor, which advocates for the rights of all workers, fights for equality and social justice, and endeavors to drive progressive change for a better future.
