Canada’s National Railway, CPKC shut down network after impasse over union talks

Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) have shut down their rail networks in the country on Thursday and locked out nearly 10,000 workers after unsuccessful negotiations with a major labor union.

The decision, confirmed by the Teamsters union, sets the stage for an unprecedented rail stoppage that could badly damage the Canadian economy and have a significant effect on cross-border trade with the United States.

Canada is the world's second-largest country by area and relies heavily on rail transport. The stoppage is set to cripple shipments of grain, potash and coal while also slowing the transport of petroleum products, chemicals and autos.

Industry groups had urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government to prevent a stoppage, noting Canada's railways transport around C$380 billion ($277 billion) worth of goods annually.

US railroad Union Pacific said on Tuesday a stoppage would halt the movement of 2,500 rail cars across the border daily.

Canadian National Railway freight cars sit at the CPKC Waterfront Layover Yard in Vancouver on Wednesday. AFP

The Canadian and US economies are highly integrated. Rail transport accounted for 14% of total bilateral trade of $382.4 billion between the countries for the first half of the year, according to the US Department of Transportation.

The stoppage comes after months of talks. The union and the companies struggled to reach an agreement on key terms, with both sides accusing the other of bad faith.

The union is seeking improved provisions for fatigue, rest, and scheduling, stressing the need for worker safety.

CN said it had offered better wages and fewer working days, but the "union did not respond", while CPKC said its offer included competitive wage hikes and increased shift differentials.

However, CPKC said that a negotiated outcome with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) union was not within reach and the companies urged the union to engage in negotiations.

Teamsters said none of its offers were "seriously considered" by the companies, adding that it will remain at the bargaining table with both firms despite the lockout.

Reuters