Canada Seeks to Delay Potential Railway Strike

10 May Canada Seeks to Delay Potential Railway Strike

The Canadian government is taking steps to delay the onset of a potential strike by railway workers at Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), according to an official.

Last week, Teamsters union members voted in favor of a strike that could begin as early as May 22. Railways play a crucial role in Canada’s economy, given the country’s extensive geography and significant exports of grain, potash, and coal.

On Thursday evening, Federal Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan announced that he had requested the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to examine potential safety implications of the strike. The strike cannot commence until the board has made its decision.

The Teamsters union, in an emailed statement, mentioned they were assessing O’Regan’s initiative and would adhere to any directive from the board.

O’Regan took this action following concerns from stakeholders about the potential impact of a work stoppage on healthcare infrastructure, particularly the transport of propane. Propane is essential as a backup generator fuel for rural hospitals, the official noted, preferring anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue.

The timeline for the board’s decision remains undetermined.



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