10:27 AM EST, 11/25/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Canadian National Railway ( CNI ) employees represented by the Unifor union have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike as soon as Jan. 1, if the union and the rail carrier cannot reach a deal on a new collective bargaining agreement.

Unifor said Monday contract negotiations are scheduled to resume Saturday and continue through Dec. 8, with the union and company addressing job security and compensation as well as working conditions during their prior discussions.

Canadian National Rail did not immediately respond to a request for comment from MT Newswires.

The company has previously described the talks with Unifor as "productive," adding there can be no work stoppage before the current contract expires Dec. 31.

Canadian National Railway ( CNI ) shares were about 1% higher in recent Monday trading.

Price: 112.66, Change: +1.42, Percent Change: +1.28