After Canada’s two largest railways were locked out by management yesterday, the federal Minister of Labour has ordered the parties into binding arbitration.
Work has begun to get the railways opened again, which is anticipated to happen within a few days.
Canadian National Railway, or CN, and Canadian Pacific Kansas City, or CPKC, locked out workers with the Teamsters union yesterday after negotiations on a new contract have stalled after months.
It was the first time both of the country’s largest railways were simultaneously shut down, meaning supply chains across North America were affected.
Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said while negotiations belong to the parties involved, the impacts of a lockout are being felt by all Canadians.
Both companies released statements ending the lockouts following MacKinnon’s announcement.
The Teamsters union released a statement saying it is disappointed the government stepped in to force arbitration so quickly, taking collective bargaining off the table.
Canadian railways headed back to work
