OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 22, 2010) - The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada's Minister of Labour, applauded VIA Rail and the Canadian Auto Workers' union for renewing their collective agreements.

"I commend VIA Rail and the Canadian Auto Workers' union for reaching a settlement; the best resolution is one that the parties reach themselves," said Minister Raitt. "Strong labour-management relations benefit our country's economic prosperity and the economic security of Canadians."

"This settlement is positive news for all the parties concerned," said the Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport). "I am pleased that this successful outcome will enable VIA Rail to continue to offer efficient passenger rail service to the traveling public during the busy summer season."

The three collective agreements, covering over 2,000 off-train, on-board and shopcraft employees, expired on December 31, 2009. The dispute between the two parties was settled through challenging negotiations, with the assistance of two federal mediators from the Government of Canada's Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service was established to provide dispute resolution and dispute prevention assistance to trade unions and employers under the jurisdiction of the Canada Labour Code. Mediation aims to achieve a collective agreement and avoid a work stoppage.

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