Canadian rail giants set for historic double labor strikes

For the first time, Canada’s two major rail companies — Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City — are on the brink of a synchronized labor strike that could cause billions in economic disruption. Contract negotiations between the rail giants and the Teamsters union have reached a critical juncture due to new federal fatigue regulations that have delayed CN’s contract renewal by a year, according to CPKC’s schedule.

The Teamsters union represents about 10,000 rail workers, including drivers and conductors. Both rail companies plan to lock down workers Thursday morning if an agreement is not reached, and the union has a strike notice ready for CPKC. Their U.S. networks are expected to operate normally, but disruptions to shipping, especially cross-border freight, are a major concern.

The dispute centers on safety-critical regulations and relocation demands. The union says CPKC’s proposals threaten safety by extending work hours, while CN’s relocation demands could see workers relocated across the country at short notice. The federal government has the power to intervene, but has so far urged both sides to continue serious negotiations.

(Based on information from the agency.)