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Southern Rail workers get 10.5 per cent in pay hikes over seven years

Managers ran trains during four-month lockout by U.S.-owned firm
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Southern Railway of B.C. trains and operations were run by management during a 114-day lockout that has now ended.

A lengthy labour dispute is over between Southern Railway of B.C. and its unionized employees.

Members of CUPE local 7000 voted 68 per cent to ratify the new contract, which includes wage hikes totaling 10.5 per cent over seven years, while preserving or improving other benefits or working conditions.

The U.S.-owned firm locked out its 126 employees Jan. 5.

During the 119-day lockout Southern Railway managers ran the short line railway, which hauls cargo around the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.

The lockout began after the union in December rejected a final contract offer of nearly 10 per cent in pay hikes spread over six years.