Canadian Pacific Kansas City said it was disappointed by the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference’s decision to dispute the Canadian Minister of Labour’s direction to resume railway operations.
Following the Minister of Labour’s direction pursuant to section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, the Canada Industrial Relations Board convened an urgent case management conference with CPKC at 9 p.m. last night. CPKC said it was prepared to address the resumption of service given its obvious priority fully.
“Unfortunately, the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) representing the Train and Engine division and Rail Canada Traffic Controller division refused to discuss any resumption of service, and instead indicated that they wish to make submissions to challenge the constitutionality of the Minister’s direction, as well as the CIRB’s discretion to proceed with any order,” the railroad said in a statement.
Another case management conference is now scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 23 to further hear submissions by the parties.
“While the Minister directed that the CIRB proceed expeditiously, any decision by the CIRB on the resumption of service will be delayed. CPKC remains prepared to resume service as soon as it is ordered to do so by the CIRB,” the railroad added. “CPKC is disappointed by this delay, which will affect our ability to resume serving the Canadian economy.”
