GO TRAINS - MATERIAL CHANGE

While in Toronto last week I committed to posting material relating to CN's "GO Train material change notice". As such please find attached the latest letter sent to CN Rail;


______________________________________________



July 22, 2008

Our File: MC000-08-001

Mr. M. CORY
Senior VP - Eastern Canada
Canadian National Railway
1 Administration Road
Concord, ON L4K 1B9

Attention: R. Bowden By Fax Only - Mr. R. Bowden


Re: Material Change - Article 79 of Agreement 4.16 – Elimination of GO Service

Dear Sir:

The following is in regards to our meetings and discussions with respect to the above referenced matter.

In consideration that the new date of implementation of the material change is fast approaching (August 1, 2008) it is imperative that we complete the required negotiations as contemplated by the 4.16 Collective Agreement. It is imperative that we resolve the many issues relating such implementation or, at the least, identify the areas of dispute (this for purposes of timely third party resolution).

Although the Company has not provided specific detail as to the impact on our membership (e.g. layoffs, relocations etc.), it has become quite apparent to the Union that the implementation of the Company’s material change is going to result in significant adverse effects to our members.

As you know, from the discussions to date, it is the Union’s position that the material change will result in a surplus of running trade employees, not only in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) but, potentially, throughout the seniority district. It is the Union’s continued position that the surplus of employees may, among other things, result in junior employees being either cut-off and/or laid-off from CN Rail.

In order to minimize the significant adverse effects on the employees the Union requests, among other things, that the following measures be negotiated and settled prior to the new implementation date of August 1, 2008;

Early retirement separation allowances

Optional lump sum severance payments

Maintenance of earnings

Relocation expenses

Familiarization / learning the road

In addition to the above it is also imperative that we negotiate meaningful employment (or mutually acceptable alternatives) for our medically restricted employees prior to implementation.

Further, understanding that these significant adverse effects may not be limited to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), to negotiate and settle the measures that will flow to each terminal and affected employees.

Although the Company has revised the proposed implementation date of the material change (accepted by the Union without prejudice) it now appears that such implementation will in fact take place on August 1st, 2008. Given such, in consideration of the tight time lines in which to complete these negotiations, this office will make itself available to meet at your earliest opportunity to address the above referenced matters and concerns.

With respect, your prompt response to the foregoing, with your availability dates, would be greatly appreciated.

Yours truly,



G. J. ETHIER
General Chairperson UTU

cc: Glenn Gower (e/m)
Paul Vickers (e/m)
Local Chairpersons -CN - GO-105 (e/m)