UPDATE: Aug. 23, 2024: Canadian National Railway ended its lockout at 6 p.m. ET Thursday, with workers returning to their posts today, according to a statement from the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference Friday morning.
Canadian Pacific Kansas City's work stoppage continues, however, pending an order from the Canada Industrial Relations Board.
"Despite the Labour Minister’s referral, there is no clear indication that the CIRB will actually order an end to the labour dispute at CPKC," the union said in its Friday morning statement.
The union and representatives from CPKC and Canadian National met with the industrial relations board Thursday, with another meeting set for 10 a.m. ET today.
A spokesperson for the industrial relations board wrote in an email Friday that the CIRB is addressing Canadian Minister of Labour and Seniors Steven MacKinnon's referral “with utmost urgency.” Trains cannot start running until the board makes a decision.
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Canada's major railroads are moving to restart operations and end a lockout of their union workers, according to announcements Thursday evening.
Canadian National Railway ended its lock out at 6 p.m. ET and is implementing its recovery plan to resume operations, the railroad said in an emailed statement to sister publication Supply Chain Dive.
Canadian Pacific Kansas City quickly followed suit, saying it also is preparing to restart operations, according to an emailed statement.
The decision follows action by Canada's Minister of Labour and Seniors Steven MacKinnon, who announced early Thursday evening that he directed the Canada Industrial Relations Board to impose final binding arbitration and have the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference complete new deals with both railroads.
MacKinnon also directed the Canada Industrial Relations Board to extend the term of the union’s contracts with each railroad until a new collective agreement is signed.
“The government has acted to protect Canada’s national interest," CPKC President and CEO Keith Creel said in the rail carrier's release. "We regret that the government had to intervene because we fundamentally believe in and respect collective bargaining; however, given the stakes for all involved, this situation required action."
