The union for 5,000 striking workers at Canadian National Railway Co. said Thursday it expects to meet the company Friday for a formal bargaining session focused on disciplinary issues.

The Canadian Auto Workers union, which represents CN's mechanics, sales clerks and container yard workers, said it had called back its bargaining committee to Montreal after meeting with company officials Wednesday. The 5,000 workers, or nearly a quarter of CN's work force, went on strike on Feb. 20 after rejecting a proposed 3 percent annual pay increase.

The union has said it would not submit any new proposals to its members if the company does not roll back its new discipline system. Workers have complained bitterly against the new system, which they say brings "military discipline" to Canada's largest railway.

The union said it is also seeking improvement to the pension plan, social benefits and shift premiums. "The bargaining committee will continue working on other outstanding issues until we obtain a new settlement that can be taken back to the membership for their approval," the union said in newsletter to its members.

The strike, the longest the company has faced in more than 15 years, will enter its third week Friday.