Railway Lockout Disrupts Canada Freight Traffic

In a historic move, Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) have simultaneously locked out nearly 9,300 workers after failing to reach a new contract by a midnight deadline. This unprecedented action halts approximately C$1 billion worth of goods traffic daily, impacting critical sectors including aviation, mining, and agriculture. The Teamsters union has indicated that despite extensive negotiations, significant disagreements remain, particularly over wages and scheduling. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has urged both parties to negotiate but business groups are calling for government intervention to prevent further economic disruption. The lockout affects key commuter lines across major cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, with thousands of daily commuters reliant on these services. Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon has emphasized the urgency of reaching a resolution as both companies prepare for a prolonged shutdown.