Canada Moves To End Rail Shutdown Quickly

Canada Moves To End Rail Shutdown Quickly

Workers at Canadian National Railway are set to return to work today, according to the Teamsters union, following a government intervention to end an unprecedented rail stoppage.

Meanwhile, the work stoppage at Canadian Pacific Kansas City will continue until the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) issues an order. Company and union representatives are scheduled to meet with the board later today.

Canada’s two largest railroads, Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Kansas City, had locked out over 9,000 unionized workers on Thursday, triggering a simultaneous rail shutdown that business groups warned could lead to significant economic losses. In response, the Canadian government requested that the CIRB issue a back-to-work order, which is expected soon.

The independent CIRB will consult with both the companies and unions before finalizing the order. Canadian National announced it would lift its lockout at 6 p.m. ET on Thursday. CPKC indicated it is preparing to restart operations, with further details on timing to be provided once the CIRB’s order is received.

“I assume that the trains will be running within days,” said Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon.

In addition to seeking a back-to-work order, MacKinnon also requested that the board initiate binding arbitration between the Teamsters union and the companies and extend the current labor agreements until new ones are reached. The rail shutdown occurred after multiple rounds of negotiations failed to produce a deal, with each side blaming the other.