#Canada #Calgary #Canadian Pacific #CPKC #Collective Bargaining

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Sets Milestone with 16 Collective Bargaining Agreements

On January 15, 2026, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) proudly announced that 16 tentative collective bargaining agreements negotiated with various unions in the United States have been officially ratified. This significant achievement will directly benefit around 700 employees in the railroad industry, primarily in Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin.

The newly approved agreements offer enhanced wages and improved working conditions, marking a critical step in recognizing the hard work and dedication of railroaders. CPKC's President and CEO, Keith Creel, expressed gratitude to the union leaders for their cooperation in reaching these beneficial agreements. He emphasized that this collaborative effort not only strengthens labor relations but also supports the economic growth of the regions served by CPKC as it focuses on delivering safe and efficient service to its customers.

Among the agreements, one was ratified with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), covering approximately 300 locomotive engineers operating in the Soo Line territories. Additionally, five agreements were reached with the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, representing 231 carmen on multiple properties, including the Delaware Hudson and Kansas City Southern. The Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) and the American Railway and Airway Supervisors Association (ARASA) also secured five ratified agreements covering clerks, maintenance workers, and supervisory employees, totaling around 108 U.S. employees.

Further agreements include collaboration with the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers (NCFO), representing 26 laborers and hostlers in the Soo Line and Kansas City Southern properties, plus others with various unions representing mechanical and engineering staff. CPKC’s dedication to strengthening its workforce is clear, as it works to finalize two additional tentative five-year agreements with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) for 76 electricians across its U.S. operations.

These agreements not only showcase the commitment of CPKC to its employees but also to its customers, highlighting the importance of maintaining a robust workforce in facilitating rail transportation services across North America. With more than 20,000 route miles in its network and serving key markets, CPKC stands as the first and only single-line transnational railway linking Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. The company's efforts focus on providing excellent rail service, logistic solutions, and network access to major ports from Vancouver to the Gulf Coast.

As CPKC continues to grow alongside its customers, these agreements signal a proactive approach to labor relations, ensuring safety and efficiency are at the forefront of operations. By establishing a strong foundation through these collective bargaining efforts, CPKC demonstrates a model for the industry on how to maintain positive relationships with labor while effectively serving the needs of customers and communities.

With the successful ratification of these agreements, the future looks promising for the railroaders at CPKC, their families, and the customers relying on their critical transportation services. The leadership at CPKC remains firmly committed to fostering an environment where employees feel valued and empowered, ultimately contributing to collective success in the railway sector.