The Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) railways initiated a lockout at 00:01 August 22, affecting close to 10,000 workers, amidst ongoing disputes with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC). Despite prolonged negotiations, the two rail giants and the union remain starkly divided, particularly over issues like rest periods, scheduling, and forced relocations that could disrupt workers' lives.
Paul Boucher, President of the TCRC, criticized the rail companies for prioritizing profits over safety and community values. "CN and CPKC have disregarded the well-being of their workers and the broader economy, choosing instead to focus solely on their financial gains," he stated.
The main points of contention include the rail companies' insistence on modifying rest protections, potentially heightening fatigue-related risks, and CN’s controversial demand for a relocation policy that could forcibly move workers nationwide. Despite the lockout, the TCRC affirmed its commitment to continue negotiations.
CN defended its position, stating that its latest offer included improved wages and reduced workdays, aligning with federal rest mandates, and even proposed a pilot for hourly rates and scheduled shifts. "We have been negotiating in good faith, consistently presenting serious offers to find a middle ground," a CN spokesperson commented.
Similarly, CPKC expressed frustration over the stalled negotiations, emphasizing its readiness to resolve the dispute through binding arbitration—a method historically used to settle conflicts with the union. "The TCRC's unrealistic demands have left us with no choice but to proceed with a lockout to protect the supply chain and broader economic interests," said a CPKC representative.
The lockout has started for CN employees and will soon include CPKC's rail traffic controllers, signaling a significant disruption in Canadian rail services that could impact numerous industries reliant on rail transport, particularly as the fall peak shipping season approaches.
Both companies have prepared for a structured shutdown to minimize risks and ensure a swift resumption of services should the dispute be resolved soon. Stakeholders are urged to stay updated through company communications as the situation develops.
