Labor minister urges last-minute deal to avert rail shutdown as deadline looms

As a potential national freight shutdown approaches, the federal labor department is pressing for a last-minute agreement between Teamsters Canada and the country’s major railways to avoid significant economic disruption. Blacklock's Reporter says the deadline for a possible strike or lockout is set for 12:01 a.m. Thursday.Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon emphasized the urgency of the situation, calling for a deal to be reached to prevent a halt in rail services. “Get a deal on the table,” MacKinnon urged, adding, “Workers, farmers, businesses, and all Canadians are counting on it.”MacKinnon is scheduled to meet Wednesday with leaders from the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference and executives from Canadian National and Canadian Pacific, the nation’s two largest railways. A shutdown of rail services would have wide-ranging impacts on the Canadian economy, according to various industry groups.The Canadian Federation of Independent Business warned that a shutdown "could be devastating for small businesses," while the Canadian Meat Council expressed concerns over "unprecedented damage to industry." The Canadian Business Council highlighted the potential for "overall harm" in an economy where rail transport is considered "the backbone."Railways in Canada are responsible for transporting the majority of surface freight, including 80% of grain, oilseed, and chemical exports, as well as 75% of fertilizers and propane. Over 250 million tonnes of minerals, wood products, auto parts, and other goods are shipped annually via rail.The Teamsters union, representing approximately 10,000 locomotive engineers, conductors, and other railway employees, has been without a contract since January 1. A similar labor dispute in 1973 led to a five-week shutdown of Canadian National Railway, prompting Parliament to pass emergency legislation to end the strike.While Parliament is currently in a 13-week recess and not scheduled to return until September 16, the prospect of back-to-work legislation remains contentious. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has previously stated his firm opposition to such measures, contrasting with the unanimous consent given by New Democrats to back-to-work legislation during the 1973 strike.The last significant rail shutdown occurred in 2022, disrupting national freight traffic for 60 hours before Canadian Pacific and the Teamsters reached an agreement through binding arbitration. .This is what the Western Standard is up againstThe Trudeau government is funding lies and propaganda by directly subsidizing the mainstream media. They do this to entrench the powerful Eastern, woke and corrupt interests that dominate the political, social and economic institutions in Canada. Federal authorities are constantly trying to censor us and stop us from publishing the stories that they don’t want you to read. Ottawa may weaponize our taxes and police against us, but we’ve got a powerful ally on our side.You. Free men, and free women. We need you to stand with us and become a member of the Western Standard. Here’s what you will get for your membership:Unlimited access to all articles from the Western Standard, Alberta Report, West Coast Standard, and Saskatchewan Standard, with no paywall. Our daily newsletter delivered to your inbox. .Access to exclusive Member-only WS events.Keep the West’s leading independent media voice strong and free.If you can, please support us with a monthly or annual membership. It takes just a moment to set up, and you will be making a big impact on keeping one the last independent media outlets in Canada free from Ottawa’s corrupting influence.

Labor minister urges last-minute deal to avert rail shutdown as deadline looms

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