CPKC claps back at rail workers' strike threat with lockout notice
One of Canada’s two railway titans is clapping back after its workers got the green light to move ahead with a strike in just over a week.
Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is threatening to lock out employees of the Teamster Canada, which represents workers at CPKC and Canadian National (CN) railways, by midnight on Aug. 22 if “union leadership and the company are unable to come to a negotiated settlement or agree to binding interest arbitration.”
The announcement comes in response to the Friday ruling of a federal labour tribunal that designated the country’s rail workers as “non essential,” clearing the path for a nationwide work stoppage approved by workers in a vote in May.
Despite being deemed non-essential, the federal labour board was clear that a strike in Canada’s railways could have significant economic costs, with the movement of goods grinding to a halt just as grain farmers who rely on rail shipments begin harvest.
In a news release on Friday, CPKC urged the Teamsters to accept its offer of binding arbitration.
“All stakeholders want an end to this needless uncertainty as rapidly as possible so that we can continue serving the North American economy,” CPKC said.
The company framed its lockout notice as a last ditch effort to save the supply chain.
“CPKC is acting to protect Canada’s supply chains, and all those who depend on them, from the more widespread disruption that would be created should a work stoppage occur during the fall peak shipping period,” the company said.
“Delaying resolution to this dispute only makes things worse, causing more disruption and damage to Canada’s international reputation as a reliable trading partner.”
Saskatoon-based potash company Nutrien urged a timely resolution to the dispute on Friday, as it relies on rail service to ship its products.
The global potash supplier said it was taking “proactive measures” to mitigate the impact of a short-term disruption.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6993663.1723166222!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
U.S. presidential historian predicts results of November elections. Here's who he says will win
An American presidential historian is predicting a Kamala Harris presidency as the outcome of the upcoming U.S. elections in November.
NDP MPs embrace distance from 'radioactive' Trudeau brand, as Singh convenes caucus in Montreal
Just days after demolishing his deal with Justin Trudeau’s Liberals, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is holding a three-day strategy session with his MPs in Montreal, where his MPs are embracing their new-found distance from what one called Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's 'radioactive' brand.
Inquiry into U.K. hospital where a nurse killed 7 babies will not review evidence against her
An inquiry into an English hospital where a neonatal nurse was convicted of murdering seven babies and trying to kill seven others began Tuesday as her supporters push to clear her name.
Buyers say they lost life savings to a Saskatchewan company selling luxury vacation condos
In 2022, Tanya Frisk-Welburn and her husband bought what they hoped would be a dream home in Mexico.
Judge reserves decision on Hoggard bail attempt as singer seeks SCOC leave to appeal
A justice with Ontario's Appeal Court has reserved her decision on whether Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard should get bail as he tries to appeal his sexual assault conviction at the country's top court.
Canadian fast food chains create value menus to win back customers
Canada’s restaurant industry is in a slump as money conscious consumers are eating out less and spending less when they do go out.
7-Eleven ordered to pay B.C. woman $907K for pothole injury
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has ordered 7-Eleven Canada to pay a woman more than $900,000 in damages after she tripped on a pothole and broke her ankle in the parking lot of a convenience store.
Viral Olympian Raygun ranked No. 1 breaker in the world by sport's governing body
Australian breaker Rachael Gunn, the Olympian widely known as B-Girl Raygun who went viral after her performance at the Paris Games, is now ranked the No. 1 breaker in the world.
Forgotten Cheetos snack bag can have 'world-changing' impact, U.S. national park says
A U.S. national park is cautioning tourists about how a small bag of Cheetos could have an enormous impact.