The Canadian Auto Workers union has issued 72-hour strike notice to Via Rail.

The union, which represents about 2,000 customer service, on-board service and maintenance workers at the railway, will be in a legal strike position as of Thursday.

A deadline of June 14, 12:01 a.m. has been set by Via Rail and the union.

Contract talks have been ongoing since October.

Union members voted 94 per cent in favour of a strike if necessary.

The union said CAW president Ken Lewenza and the bargaining committee met with Via Rail executives today.