Canadian Government Intervenes in Historic Rail Stoppage

The Canadian government swiftly addressed an unprecedented rail stoppage, sending the dispute to binding arbitration. The work stoppage, which saw Canada's leading railroads lock out over 9,000 workers, threatened significant economic damage. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon emphasized the urgency of resuming rail activity.

The Canadian government moved swiftly on Thursday to address an unprecedented rail stoppage, initiating binding arbitration on the same day the stoppage began.

Canada's two main railroads, which had locked out over 9,000 unionized workers, caused a simultaneous rail halt that business groups warned could lead to hundreds of millions of dollars in economic harm. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon stated that he intervened "to ensure that the activities of both of these rail companies immediately resume."

The involved parties – Canadian National Railway, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, and the Teamsters union – accused each other of causing the stoppage following unsuccessful negotiations.

(With inputs from agencies.)