CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) and United Steelworkers (USW) announced today that following a tentative agreement reached between CN and USW Local 2004 negotiators in December, union members in communities across the country reviewed the agreement and approved the contract in a national ratification vote held over the last several weeks.

Wage increases in each year and improved medical, dental and health-care benefits and travel allowances are provided for in the new collective agreement for the 3,000 USW members who inspect, maintain and repair CN's Canada-wide system of track, bridges and infrastructure. This five-year collective agreement will be in effect until Dec. 31, 2023.

"This is a solid, fair agreement that recognizes the hard work of our members and the key contributions they make every day to CN's success," said Jean-Francois Migneault, President of USW Local 2004.

"This five-year agreement provides CN with long-term stability," said JJ Ruest, president and chief executive officer of CN. "We are proud of what we have been able to accomplish for our railroaders. CN and the USW will continue working together to keep the network safe and secure as we undertake record investments in our track and bridge infrastructure."  

"I congratulate the leadership and members of USW Local 2004 for the solidarity they have demonstrated in achieving a good collective agreement that will benefit CN as well as workers and their families," said USW National Director Ken Neumann. "This agreement reflects the fact that these maintenance-of-way employees work in extremely challenging conditions every day, performing services that are vital to CN's operations," Neumann said.