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The VIA Rail strike is officially over two days after it began. Via Rail Canada Inc. and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference agreed to binding arbitration instead of negotiation, believing that they were too far apart to come to a deal on their own. What does this mean? Michel Piché, an arbitrator with the Canadian Railway Office of Arbitration & Dispute Resolution (CROA), will hear submissions from both sides on all of the issues. He and he alone, will then decide on what concessions the company will give the union and both sides will have to accept that judgment without recourse.

The union rightly believed that a prolonged strike would cost workers their jobs as was evidenced by the speed at which VIA laid off 2,500 employees almost as soon as the strike was announced. Canadians have no patience for strikes right now and VIA was bombarded with negative publicity as Porter Airlines, Greyhound, Coach Canada, and Air Canada were offering sweet deals in the hopes of luring VIA customers.

Now that the strike is over VIA has recalled the 2,500 employees that it laid off and is offering significant discounts on bookings over the next three

days to try and placate angry customers. Beginning today, Monday, July 27^th all customers making reservations for trips that will take place between July 26, 2009 and December 14, 2009 will receive a 60% discount on adult regular fares in Economy Class (all routes) and in Business Class (Windsor-Quebec City corridor). In order to qualify for this discount, tickets must be purchased no later than 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on Wednesday, July 29, 2009.

For more information or to book tickets, please visit VIA’s website or call 1-888-842-7245 or 1-800-268-9503 if you are hearing impaired.