Canadian grain groups are taking a fresh look at pressing government officials to enact legislation that would address how the country can continue shipping grain and grain products in the event of a strike or other work stoppage, reports FreightWaves.
One option the groups have mentioned is finding a legislator to introduce a bill declaring rail an essential service. The Public Service Labor Relations Act defines an essential service as “a service, facility or activity of the Government that is or will be, at any time, necessary for the safety or security of the public of a segment of the public.”
Grain associations say they are held hostage by a “dual monopoly” consisting of the railways and the unions.
