Labour Minister sends Rail negotiations to Binding Arbitration

August 23, 2024

At midnight on August 22nd, both of Canada’s major Rail Lines locked out two of their worker unions due to contract negotiations breaking down, effectively shutting down major freight and passenger transport across Canada.

Less than 24 hours later, Honorable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Labour of Canada, announced he was “using his powers as labour minister to step in”. Minister MacKinnon said he's directed the board [Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB)] to settle the outstanding terms of the collective agreements and impose final binding arbitration.

This process will take time but should see a resolution “in days”.

Both rail companies released statements Thursday saying they would restart operations following MacKinnon's announcement, but neither offered a timeline.

This is an excerpt from CBC News https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/cn-railway-cpkc-lockout-job-action-negotiations-1.7301419

The CSCB will continue to monitor the situation and provide additional updates as they become available.

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