Canada's Railways Resume Operations After Standoff

The Canada Industrial Relations Board has ordered a halt to work stoppages at Canada’s largest railways, ending a significant disruption to the nation’s export-driven economy. The decision comes after labor disputes involving thousands of Teamsters members and the Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City. The Teamsters plan to appeal.

The Canada Industrial Relations Board ordered a halt to work stoppages at the nation's largest railways on Saturday, signaling an end to a significant disruption at Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City. The decision came after labor disputes involving more than 9,000 Teamsters members reached an impasse.

The independent tribunal's decision follows the federal government's intervention to resolve the standoff, which had triggered economic concerns. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon expressed hope for a swift resumption of operations, as the railways are crucial for Canada's export-driven economy.

The ruling mandates binding arbitration and sustains existing contracts until new agreements are reached. The Teamsters criticized the decision, announcing plans to appeal in federal court.

(With inputs from agencies.)