# CPKC signals and communications workers strike

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cpkc-signals-and-communications-workers-strike
> Updated: 2026-08-27T22:23:27.000Z. Sources: 42. Developments: 2.

A 12-week strike by approximately 300 signals and communications employees at Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) has concluded. The labor action, involving members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Canadian Signals and Communications System Council No. 11, began on May 31 following the expiration of a labor contract.

The dispute affected the rail network spanning from Vancouver to Montreal and was driven by disagreements regarding wages, employee expenses, on-call obligations, and work schedules. While CPKC proposed scheduling solutions, the union contended these did not reflect the varying costs of living in different railway communities, such as Revelstoke.

To resolve the impasse, the union and CPKC agreed to enter into binding arbitration and mediation for unresolved collective bargaining issues. IBEW senior general chairman Jason Sommer stated that the decision to proceed to arbitration was ‘not made lightly’ following nearly three months of support for improved working conditions. Following a return-to-work agreement, employees were scheduled to resume their duties on Monday, August 24.

## Claims

- The union members struck for nearly three months to seek improvements in wages and working conditions. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- CPKC refused to meet the union's initial request for wage and benefit increases that would double those of other Canadian collective bargaining units. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- The union and CPKC agreed to submit outstanding collective bargaining issues to mediation and binding interest arbitration. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- Approximately 300 IBEW members participated in the strike. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- The strike lasted for 12 weeks, beginning on May 31. (corroborated by 18 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-27: CPKC railroad strike ends after 12 weeks as union agrees to arbitration

A 12-week strike by 300 CPKC signal and communications workers in Canada has ended as the IBEW union agrees to resolve wage and scheduling disputes through mediation and binding arbitration.

38 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cpkc-railroad-strike-ends-after-12-weeks-as-union-agrees-to-arbitration

### 2026-08-22: Canadian Pacific Kansas City ends signals workers' strike

Canadian Pacific Kansas City and the IBEW have agreed to end a strike by approximately 300 signals and communications workers through binding arbitration. Employees return to work on August 24.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canadian-pacific-kansas-city-ends-signals-workers-strike

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Cite as: CPKC signals and communications workers strike. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cpkc-signals-and-communications-workers-strike