Canadian Railways on Brink of Restart Amid Government Intervention

Workers at Canadian National Railway are set to return, while Canadian Pacific Kansas City awaits the Canadian Industrial Relations Board's back-to-work order. The unprecedented stoppage cost the economy heavily, impacting key commodities and commuter services, prompting government intervention.

Workers at Canadian National Railway are poised to return to their duties on Friday, the Teamsters union announced, mere hours after the Canadian government stepped in to halt an unprecedented stoppage. Meanwhile, the stoppage at Canadian Pacific Kansas City will continue pending further directives from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB).

Earlier on Thursday, Canada's two biggest railroads had effectively locked out over 9,000 union workers, causing a significant disruption that business groups warned could rack up hundreds of millions in economic losses. The federal government responded by requesting the CIRB to issue a back-to-work order, which is anticipated shortly.

Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon stated his expectation that trains would be operational within days. Besides the back-to-work order, MacKinnon called for binding arbitration between the union and railway companies to resolve the impasse. Justin Trudeau's government emphasized that negotiations were preferred but necessary actions were needed to protect supply chains.

(With inputs from agencies.)