The Canada Industrial Relations Board has legally mandated the return to work rail workers across the country, requiring binding arbitration in the dispute involving Canadian National Railway, Canadian Pacific Kansas City and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference.
This intervention comes after a complete halt of Canada’s rail network due to CN’s employee lockout and a strike by CPKC workers following failed contract negotiations.
Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon, who directed the CRIB to assist the parties in settling the outstanding terms of their collective agreements by imposing final binding arbitration, reacted to the decision and said he expects “operations to resume at the earliest opportunity.”
“The Canada Industrial Relations Board has issued a decision to impose final and binding arbitration in the negotiations between CN Rail, CPKC & the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference. I expect that railway companies and employees will resume operations at the earliest opportunity,” wrote MacKinnon on X.
Rails affected by the shutdown carried $1 billion worth of goods throughout Canada each day.
The CIRB’s order stipulates that rail services and worker duties must recommence by Monday, with the existing collective agreement in place until the completion of arbitration.
CPKC and CN have agreed to comply with the CIRB’s directive, although CPKC has noted that returning to full operations could take weeks.
The Teamsters Union has agreed to abide by the CIRB decision but is preparing to appeal it in Federal Court, challenging whether the minister’s directive was constitutional. The union also called the CIRB decision “ a dangerous precedent.”
The core issues of contention between the union and rail companies include safety concerns, conditions at work and worker fatigue.
However, the rail companies assert that their offers are fair and prioritize safety, a claim disputed by the union.
The shutdown has significantly disrupted the supply chain, affecting the transport of grain, imports, chemicals, and commuter rail services, with considerable financial implications.
