Federal Intervention Ends Lockout and Strike Notice.

The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has mandated binding arbitration after an unprecedented dual work stoppage that halted freight shipments and disrupted commutes nationwide. This decision follows a prolonged contract dispute with the Teamsters union, which represents workers from both Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC). The union plans to appeal the ruling in court, arguing it “sets a dangerous precedent.”

The decision came two days after federal Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon directed the tribunal to begin arbitration, citing an impasse that threatened Canadian businesses and trade relationships. The ruling ends the lockout and simultaneous strike at CPKC and voids the 72-hour strike notice issued by the union to CN on Friday morning. While the Teamsters union has expressed concerns about the impact on future labor negotiations, it will comply with the board’s decision.

Source: Federal labour board orders rail workers back on the job, imposes binding arbitration | CBC News