Canadian National Railway confirmed December 9 it had reached a tentative agreement with the union representing nearly 3,300 employees working in mechanical, clerical, and intermodal functions, most likely averting a threatened strike.

In a press release, CN said a tentative four-year collective agreement had been made with Unifor, pending ratification by union members.Terms have not been publicly released ahead of the ratification vote. The current contract expires on Dec. 31.

On November 25, Unifor announced that members of its Council 4000 and Local 100 at Canadian National Railway (CN Rail) had voted overwhelmingly in favor of strike action, with 96% of Local 100 members and 97% of Council 4000 members supporting the mandate, preparing to take action should an agreement not be reached by January 1, 2025.

According to CTVNews, in a letter issued December 9 to its members, Unifor Council 4000 officials said it was “pleased to announce that a tentative agreement had been reached” following “extensive bargaining focused on securing meaningful gains for members.”

“We recognize the challenges faced during this round of negotiations and thank members for their continued solidarity and patience as we worked to achieve a deal that meets your needs,” read the letter. “This agreement marks a significant step forward in securing improved conditions and protections for Unifor members at CN.”

The ratification vote is expected to be held in the coming weeks.