Toronto, July 15, 2024
The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) informed Canadian Pacific Kansas City Southern (CPKC) and Canadian National (CN) on July 12th that it intends to issue its decision regarding the Ministerial Referral on the maintenance of activities by Friday, August 9th. The CIRB will issue the decision without holding oral hearings. This development helps provide some predictability regarding the timelines for a potential work stoppage, because the parties cannot legally take strike or lockout action prior to the CIRB issuing its decision, and must then provide a minimum of 72 hours’ notice.
In response to this news, CPKC has asked the CIRB to extend the cooling-off period for 30 days after the date of its decision, during which time a strike or lockout cannot take place. CPKC feels this would help provide stability and predictability regarding the timelines for a potential work stoppage and allow all stakeholders to plan for such an eventuality. CPKC has also proposed to the union that the parties resolve this labour dispute through binding arbitration.
To review, the CIRB was appointed by the federal government to assess whether a potential rail strike could pose health/safety implications. Submissions had been filed by CPKC, CN, the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), and other interested stakeholders, followed by replies to these submissions by all parties involved. Upon review of all submitted information, the CIRB will in turn render its final decision.
For more information, please call David Lychek, Director – Ocean & Air Services at (905) 882-4880, ext. 1207.
