Why CP Rail may lock out its workers and what it means for Canada's supply chain
CTV
A labour dispute at CP Rail is threatening to further cripple the flow of goods at a time when supply chains are already strained due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion in Ukraine.
Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. issued a 72-hour notice on Wednesday to the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, planning to lock out almost 3,000 employees if the union and the company are unable to come to a negotiated settlement or agree to binding arbitration.
The two sides are at odds over 26 outstanding issues, including wages, benefits and pensions.
On Thursday, the Calgary-based railway said it had received strike notice from the union representing its engineers, conductors and other train employees in the latest escalation of the labour dispute that could result in a potential nation-wide work stoppage as soon as early Sunday morning.
However, the disruption to Canada's freight capacity could still be avoided, as both CP Rail and the union say they’re committed to negotiating right up to the deadline.
