05:38 PM EDT, 10/08/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Unifor Local 101R on Tuesday said it opened contract talks with Canadian Pacific Kansas City ( CP ) (CP.TO, CPKC), after the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) ordered an end to a lockout of its members in August.

The union said its top concerns in bargaining are high levels of contracting out, forced overtime and strict company policies that negatively impact work-life balance.

CPKC and Canadian National Railway (CNR.TO) locked out 9,300 engineers, conductors and yard workers in August after failing to agree on a new contract.

The Canadian government had the CIRB impose binding arbitration, fearing the damage to the economy that would come from having both the country's major railways shuttered, but tension between the company and their unions continue.

"Work ownership, poor working conditions, and strained labour relations continue to present barriers to creating a respectful and productive work environment for our members," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "Resolving these issues is critical for both the workforce and CPKC's long-term success."