Canada Faces Major Economic Blow as Railroads Lock Out 9,000 Workers

Canada's two largest railroads, CN and CPKC, have locked out over 9,000 union workers, leading to an unprecedented stoppage impacting North American supply chains. Failed contract negotiations sparked the lockout, with consequences potentially costing billions of dollars and disrupting vital goods shipments across borders.

Canada's primary railroads, Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), have locked out over 9,000 unionized workers, causing an economic ripple that could amount to billions in losses and disrupt North America's supply routes.

Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) head Paul Boucher accused the rail companies of endangering safety and families for profit, while CN and CPKC argue they've bargained in good faith but could not reach a deal, pushing for binding arbitration.

The Canadian government has urged both sides to continue negotiations without imposing binding arbitration, as business groups warn of severe financial damage. Moody's estimates the stoppage could cost over C$341 million daily, threatening shipment delays of essential goods including grain, coal, and automobiles, with repercussions felt across the U.S. due to integrated economies.

(With inputs from agencies.)