Rail companies, union to resume talks as lockout shuts down both major railways
Each side has accused the other of failing to negotiate seriously.
"The railroads don't care about farmers, small businesses, supply chains or their own employees. Their sole focus is boosting their bottom line, even if it means jeopardizing the entire economy," said Teamsters president Paul Boucher in a statement early Thursday morning.
Bargaining played out in separate negotiations between each company and the Teamsters, which represents 6,000 CN workers and 3,300 CPKC workers.
The Teamsters has said both companies are pushing to weaken protections around rest periods and scheduling, while CN is also seeking a scheme that would see some employees move to far-flung locations for several months at a time to fill labour gaps.
CN said it has negotiated in good faith over the past nine months.
"The company consistently proposed serious offers, with better pay, improved rest and more predictable schedules. The Teamsters have not shown any urgency or desire to reach a deal that is good for employees, the company and the economy," CN said.
CPKC called for binding arbitration, saying the union has made "unrealistic demands."
Business groups have also demanded the government step in by imposing binding arbitration and barring strikes and lockouts as the process plays out.
A group representing 97,000 small- and medium-sized businesses says its members are concerned about not getting essential shipments of aviation gas for forest fighting equipment, manufacturing materials, vehicle parts, retail products and agricultural equipment.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business said the stoppages will also lead to less availability of grocery and drugstore goods, including baby formula. Some small businesses have already told the organization they will need to halt operations because they will no longer be able to receive critical materials or meet contractual obligations.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called on both sides on Wednesday to work out a deal at the bargaining table.
Ontario's premier called on CN and CKPC to get back to the table and reach a fair deal. Doug Ford said in a post on X that the rail shutdown had already cost workers, transit users and businesses across the country.
"We cannot afford to let things get worse," he said.
Affected industries include agriculture, mining, energy, retail, automaking and construction. U.S. railways have also had to turn away Canada-bound shipments.
Shippers south of the border also rely on Canada's two main railways, whose tracks run to the Gulf of Mexico and, in CPKC's case, to several Mexican ports.
Meanwhile, Canadian ports fear containers will pile up on the docks as cargo goes unmoved, causing congestion down the line and prompting some carriers to reroute to U.S. terminals.
-With additional files from Canadian Press