Canadian rail stoppage could begin as early as August, 22, 2024

Toronto, August 12, 2024

On August 9, 2024, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) issued its decision that none of the services provided by railways Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) are essential by law, and as a result, would not need to be maintained in the event of a strike or lockout.  This clears the way for a potential rail work stoppage, if the railways cannot reach an agreement with the union that represents railway employees.

The decision includes a 13-day cooling off period, during which no work stoppage is possible.  Prior to any work stoppage, a 72-hour notice must be provided.  The earliest possible date of a work stoppage is now August 22, 2024, at 00:01 EST.  CN and CPKC subsequently advised that they would lock out members of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference on that date without a settlement or an agreement by the union to participate in binding arbitration.

Federal Labour Minister, Steven MacKinnon, issued the following statement in response to the CIRB decision, “The parties in this dispute have a responsibility to Canadians.  I call upon the parties to stay at the bargaining table and continue holding productive and substantive discussions that meet the needs of this moment.  A negotiated agreement is the best way forward.”

For more information, please call David Lychek, Director – Ocean & Air Services at (905) 882-4880, ext. 1207.