Canadian Pacific Kansas City Celebrates New Collective Bargaining Agreement

On February 24, 2025, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) announced that it has successfully ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement with Unifor, the union representing the mechanical employees in Canada. This achievement was celebrated by the company's President and CEO, Keith Creel, who emphasized the collaborative efforts made at the bargaining table to improve working conditions for the employees.

This agreement marks a significant milestone in CPKC's commitment to labor relations and reflects the strong support from the mechanical workforce, which includes approximately 1,200 mechanics, laborers, diesel service attendants, and mechanical support staff across the country. Creel stated, "By working collaboratively together with Unifor, we have completed another collective agreement that benefits our employees with improved wages and benefits for years to come."

The ratification of the collective agreement ensures long-term labor stability for CPKC's railroaders and allows the company to continue operating effectively within the North American rail industry. CPKC is a pioneering transnational railway, acting as a vital link between Canada, the United States, and Mexico and facilitating seamless freight transportation and logistics across the continent.

This newly ratified collective agreement is the second such agreement to be established this year; earlier, the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference Maintenance of Way Employees Division, which represents around 2,300 engineering services employees, also ratified a new four-year agreement. These developments signal CPKC's ongoing efforts to foster a stable and cooperative work environment, ensuring that its employees can focus on providing excellent service to North American customers.

At its headquarters in Calgary, Alberta, CPKC operates a robust rail network stretching approximately 20,000 route miles. The company's operations are designed to serve critical markets across North America, providing access to several key ports from Vancouver to Atlantic Canada, and extending to the Gulf of Mexico and Lázaro Cárdenas in Mexico. With a workforce of about 20,000 railroaders, CPKC prides itself on delivering exceptional rail service and logistics solutions to meet its customers' diverse transportation needs.

The success of the recent negotiations highlights not only the strength of the union's representation but also the company's commitment to improving the working conditions and benefits for its employees. The agreement will enable CPKC to remain competitive within the industry by attracting and retaining skilled professionals, thereby ensuring that it can continue to contribute significantly to the economies of Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

In conclusion, the ratification of this new collective bargaining agreement underscores the importance of collaboration between CPKC and Unifor. As the company continues to grow and adapt to changing market demands, it remains focused on serving its customers safely and efficiently, while also prioritizing the well-being of its workforce.