CN and Canadian Pacific Kansas City were to resume operations following the Canadian Minister of Labour’s announcement that he would exercise his authority under Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code.
The order directs the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to impose final, binding arbitration and for railway operations to resume.
CN said the company is satisfied that this labor conflict has ended and can return to its role of powering the economy. However, company officials said they were disappointed that a negotiated deal could not be achieved at the bargaining table despite its best efforts.
“The Canadian government has recognized the immense consequences of a railway work stoppage for the Canadian economy, North American supply chains and all Canadians,” CPKC President and CEO Keith Creel said in a release. “The government has acted to protect Canada’s national interest. 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.
“CPKC looks forward to welcoming all of our employees back to work to restore our railway to full strength and get back to serving our customers and moving Canada’s trade and commerce throughout North America,” Creel added.
