The labor minister of Canada said on Wednesday that negotiations between the country’s two main rail companies and unions still have “significant issues.” This makes a nationwide rail shutdown almost certain.
Speaking to Global News in Calgary, Labor Minister Steve MacKinnon discussed the ongoing talks with Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference. He met with Canadian National and its union chapter in Montreal the day before, urging all parties to reach a deal.
MacKinnon stated, “I believe there are important matters that need resolution. But the parties are working on it, and we are putting all our efforts into ensuring they have everything they need to make necessary compromises.”
The halt in freight trains across Canada is expected to start at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, affecting around 9,000 railway employees nearing a looming strike or lockout date.
The rail companies and unions have blamed each other for not engaging on certain sticking points. Mediators have been brought in to resolve issues related to scheduling and worker safety.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the U.S. Department was closely monitoring Canadian labor negotiations and potential impacts of cross-border shipments.
Representing the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, a U.S. rail union affiliated with the Teamsters, Edward Hall expressed full support for Canadian workers in the labor dispute with CPKC and CN.
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