After issuing an advanced strike notice on September 4, 2015, members of the Container Trucking Association of Ontario (CTAO) officially walked off their jobs on Tuesday, September 8, 2015, and began to picket in front of CN Rail and CP Rail terminals in the Greater Toronto Area. The call to action stems from a disagreement over current container trucking industry rates. CTAO members cite that industry rates fail to adequately compensate drivers for their time and resources.
Patrick Rhodin, CTAO President, stated,“Unfortunately, there has not been any changes to the rates for the past 10 years in the container trucking industry except for longer working hours, higher cost of operations and maintenance of the fleet.” He further stated that CTAO members have, “on two separate occasions,” initiated meetings with transportation companies to discuss current rates and resolve their“outstanding issues” to ensure that drivers are compensated fairly. However, not all companies have attended the CTAO organized meetings.
Resulting from the “continuation of low rates, longer working hours and waiting time at terminals,” the CTAO membership collectively decided to launch an indefinite strike until plausible solutions are offered. Officials in the trade state that CTAO members are also engaging non-union drivers for support, encouraging them to honor the picket lines.
The CTAO is scheduled to meet today, September 9, 2015, and transportation companies are hopeful that members will return to work in the coming days.
Deringer will continue to monitor and report on the strike. Please direct any questions to marketing@anderinger.com.