The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference has ended picket lines at Canadian National Railway (NYSE:CNI) (CN), allowing workers to return on Friday. However, the work stoppage at Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) remains, pending an order from the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB).
The disruption follows failed contract negotiations with Canada’s two largest railways, leading to a lockout and federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon referring the dispute to binding arbitration.
CPKC and the union are set to meet with the CIRB, but the union is challenging the constitutionality of MacKinnon's directive.
The work stoppage has impacted supply chains and disrupted commuter rail services in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, affecting industries such as agriculture, mining, and retail.
Despite pressure from business groups and provincial governments to resolve the issue, the union and companies remain at odds over key issues, including rest periods and employee relocation.