In a move that risks further disruption to Canada’s economy, rail workers are pushing back against the federal government’s order to return to work. Despite trains at Canadian National Railway Co. (CN) beginning to roll again on Friday morning, the Teamsters union has issued a 72-hour strike notice, signalling their intention to continue obstructing vital freight and commuter rail services.
At Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. (CPKC), the union representing 3,300 employees is actively challenging Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon’s directive for binding arbitration. This defiance comes after an unprecedented work stoppage that brought both of the country’s largest railways to a standstill, halting billions of dollars in freight shipments and causing widespread commuter chaos.
Minister MacKinnon acted swiftly to protect the national interest by asking the Canada Industrial Relations Board to impose binding arbitration to resolve the deadlock. The board convened an emergency meeting Thursday night and a hearing on Friday morning, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Unions’ resistance to returning to work not only endangers Canada’s economy but also puts the livelihoods of countless Canadians at risk. While some rail services have resumed, the threat of further strikes and legal challenges by the unions threatens to prolong the crisis. The nation cannot afford continued obstruction from unions intent on holding the economy hostage.
