The Canadian government swiftly intervened to end a significant rail stoppage by requesting an industrial relations board to issue a back-to-work order for over 9,000 unionized workers locked out by Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC). This move came after failed negotiations led to an economic strain with potential damages in the hundreds of millions.
The Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) will oversee the process, involving consultations with the companies and unions before issuing the order. CN announced the end of its lockout, while CPKC geared up to restart operations, awaiting the CIRB’s directive.
Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon assured reporters that trains would resume operations in a matter of days. Along with the back-to-work order, MacKinnon proposed binding arbitration and labor agreement extensions. The decision marked a shift in stance for the Trudeau government, highlighting the necessity of government intervention in critical situations affecting supply chains and workers’ livelihoods.
Industry groups welcomed the government’s actions, emphasizing the severe consequences of a prolonged stoppage on the Canadian economy. The dispute, primarily centered on labor conditions and safety concerns, reflects the critical role railways play in the country’s transportation network.