Canadian Railways Halted Amid Labor Dispute

Canada's two largest railways, Canadian National Railway Co. and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd., have locked out 9,300 workers after contract negotiations with the Teamsters union failed, halting rail traffic nationwide. Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon has requested the Canada Industrial Relations Board to impose binding arbitration to end the work stoppage, emphasizing the significant economic impact, which includes disruptions to commuter services and critical supply chains. The stoppage is affecting tens of thousands of commuters and has severe implications for grain farmers and other businesses reliant on rail transport. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assured that the government is actively working on a solution to mitigate the economic fallout. The union and companies remain at odds over work schedules and wages, with each side accusing the other of negotiating in bad faith.