Canadian Government Mediates Rail Labor Dispute

The Canadian government has intervened in a labor dispute between Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) by referring the matter to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) for binding arbitration, following a lockout of approximately 9,000 Teamsters union workers. CN has ended its lockout and is allowing workers to return, while CPKC remains locked out pending CIRB's decision, which has been delayed as the union seeks to challenge the legality of the government's directive. Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon emphasized the need for resolution to avoid significant economic repercussions, as freight transportation is vital for Canada and the U.S., with daily goods valued at over $730 million affected. The union has accused the railroads of exacerbating the situation to provoke government intervention and has expressed concerns about proposed changes to worker protections. Meetings between the union and the CIRB are ongoing, and a decision is expected soon to facilitate the resumption of services across both railroads.