Thousands of workers at Canada’s two main railway companies have been locked out, causing freight trains to stop running and suspending some commuter traffic. Despite efforts from the federal government to encourage a deal to end their labour dispute, Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) have shut down services after negotiations with the Teamsters Canada Railway Conference (TCRC) union failed.
CPKC stated that they tried to negotiate in good faith, but the union’s demands were unrealistic and would hinder their ability to provide reliable and cost-effective transportation services to customers. CN, on the other hand, said the union did not respond to their offer and without an agreement or binding arbitration, they had to proceed with a lockout.
The TCRC issued a news release warning of the imminent work stoppage, affecting roughly 10,000 employees at CN and CPKC. This is the first time both companies have experienced a stoppage simultaneously, impacting not only freight train operations but also commuter lines in major cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
The shutdown has raised concerns among business groups, the agriculture sector, exporters, and retailers about potential losses and disruptions to the supply chain. Labour Minister Steve MacKinnon highlighted the significant economic consequences of the lockout and emphasized the need for a resolution between the companies and unions.
Both sides have accused each other of refusing to engage on critical issues, and mediators have been brought in to address scheduling, relocation, and safety concerns. TCRC president Paul Boucher criticized the railroads for prioritizing profits over safety and the economy.
Overall, the ongoing dispute between the rail companies and the union has left many Canadians worried about the future of transportation services and the impact on various industries that rely on the rail networks.
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