Canadian government steps in, ends rail lockout

The rail lockout lasted less than 24 hours, as the Canadian government took measures to “preserve industrial peace” and resume rail service.

The move was called a “win” for Canadian National (CN, and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), which had been hoping to force government intervention, according to CNN.

The International Fresh Produce Association sent the following member communication on Aug. 23:

Canadian Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon yesterday provided an update on the government’s response to the Rail Lockout in Canada.

• Minister MacKinnon is using his ministerial powers under section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to preserve industrial peace by ordering the CIRB to impose final binding arbitration for both CN and CPKC.
• He will also extend the term of the expired collective agreements to the present and order the immediate resumption of operations at both railways.
• It is expected hat the rail service will resume today. It is not clear how long it will take them to clear the backlog.