VIA Rail and Unifor reach tentative agreement, avoiding a strike

Via Rail has reached a tentative deal with the union representing 2,400 of its workers across the country, the Crown corporation said on Friday.

The deal averts a walkout involving members of Unifor, who had voted for a strike mandate to be exercised as early as Sunday.

Unifor says the tentative agreement offers gains in wages, job security and working conditions.

The union represents workers at VIA Rail stations, maintenance centres, the customer care centre, in administrative offices and on board trains.

Unifor didn't release details of the deal, preferring to first inform its members at meetings scheduled over the coming weeks.

VIA Rail has said it was committed to a fair and reasonable agreement while remaining competitive and providing quality service.

The two parties had broken off contract talks earlier this month, setting the stage for a potential strike.

WATCH | VIA Rail, Unifor talks broke off in early June:

Via Rail and Unifor have stopped contract negotiations. The union says Via Rail is refusing to fix problems with a work assignment system that has caused 'chronic short hours and reduced pay.' Management maintains it is bargaining in good faith and hopes to reach a new agreement ahead of the June 22 strike deadline.