Canadian National Railway (CN) has confirmed that a two-week strike that began on June 18 by 750 signals and communications workers will end just after midnight today. This follows an agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) to accept binding arbitration.

 The IBEW had initially rejected CN’s proposal to resolve remaining differences, on wages and benefits through binding arbitration, asserting the concessions didn’t go far enough. In addition to wages, arbitration will decide on a lifetime cap on some health benefits.

CN thanked management employees and contractors for their service that “allowed rail operations to continue uninterrupted during the strike.”

The company’s offer from late June included a 10 per cent wage hike over three years and better schedules ensuring two consecutive days off.

The Montreal-based railway hauls more than 300 million tonnes of commodities and consumer goods across North America annually. (CN photo)