Canada’s 2 major freight railroads at a full stop; government officials scramble
Toronto. Business and consumers throughout Canada and the U.S. were in danger of suffering significant economic harm after Canada’s major freight railroads came to a full stop Thursday because of a contract dispute with their workers.
Canadian government officials met urgently to discuss the shutdown. Canadian National and CPKC railroads both locked out their employees after the 12:01 a.m. EDT deadline Thursday passed without new agreements with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, which represents about 10,000 engineers, conductors and dispatchers.
All rail traffic in Canada and all shipments crossing the U.S. border have stopped, although CPKC and CN’s trains will continue to operate in the U.S. and Mexico.
Billions of dollars of goods each month move between Canada and the U.S. via rail, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Many companies across all industries rely on railroads to deliver their raw materials and finished products, so without regular rail service they may have to cut back or even close.
Both railroads have said they would end the lockout if the union agreed to binding arbitration, while unions indicated that they were still at the bargaining table.
US-India Interim Trade Agreement: Global Trade and Long-Term Impact
US President Trump threatens to impose 100% tariffs on Canada: Warning to block trade deal with China
Toronto, Canada on Sunday, Up to 40 centimetres of snow expected: Weather Canada issues winter warning
Discussion and symposium held on the occasion of the 61st anniversary of Canada-Nepal diplomatic relations
Chitwan Comes Alive as Elephant & Tourism Festival Celebrates Culture and Conservation
Oh! Snow, sleet and fog- vast swathes of Canada are gripped by winter weather (with photo feature)
The Canadian government has urged people not to visit Nepal except for essential work, citing security challenges in the country
