Canada Halts Railway Stoppages Amid Binding Arbitration Orders

The Canada Industrial Relations Board halted stoppages at Canada's main railways, Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City, to mitigate economic disruption. Over 9,000 Teamsters members were involved in the labor dispute. The board's actions include imposing binding arbitration and extending current contracts until new agreements are reached.

The Canada Industrial Relations Board ordered a halt to work stoppages at the country's largest railways, Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City, on Saturday. This decision aims to end an unprecedented service disruption that threatened the export-driven economy.

The independent labor tribunal intervened after Canada asked it on Thursday to resolve an impasse in talks involving more than 9,000 Teamsters members and the two rail carriers. The board also mandated binding arbitration and an extension of existing contracts until new agreements are finalized.

Business groups warned that the simultaneous work stoppage could cause substantial economic damage. The decision averts a planned strike by CN workers and addresses the ongoing lockout of CPKC workers since Thursday. Teamsters President Paul Boucher criticized the decision, calling it a dangerous precedent that undermines workers' rights. In contrast, CN expressed satisfaction, stating it would have preferred a negotiated settlement. The resolution comes as a relief to sectors like agriculture, heavily reliant on rail transport.

(With inputs from agencies.)