Rail strike Canada 2024: Rail lockout causes concern for Sask. producers [Video]

Stakeholders continued to voice their concerns across Saskatchewan as a lockout of Canada’s two major railways began Thursday – before being promptly stopped due to federal intervention.

Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon announced at a news conference at 2:30 p.m. CST that he will use his powers under Section 107 of the Labour Code to request the Canada Industrial Relations Board to impose final, binding arbitration in the labour dispute involving both of Canada’s major railways.

Speaking to reporters, MacKinnon said he cannot give a concrete answer as to when railways will return to normal operations as the arbitration process now lies in the hands of the board.

Thursday’s lockout marked the first time in history that both Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) have implemented a simultaneous work stoppage.

The move came after bargaining efforts with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference broke down just after midnight Wednesday.

…