CN Rail strike could have dramatic effect on economy: transport minister

By

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The strike that has shut down operations at CN Rail has entered day three.

Many Conservative MPs are calling on Justin Trudeau’s Liberals to step in quickly to end the strike, saying it is crippling farmers on the Prairies.

Transport Minister Marc Garneau is keeping a close eye on the situation, saying it could eventually have a dramatic effect on the economy.

“We also believe in the collective bargaining process, so we’re going to make sure that they know how important this is and that they have to continue working towards a solution which as I say we think is within their grasp,” he says.

The strike by roughly 3,200 Teamsters Canada Rail Conference members began after the union and company failed to reach a deal by a Monday midnight deadline.

Conductors, trainpersons and yard workers took to the picket lines Tuesday, halting freight trains across the country.

On Wednesday, Pulse Canada and the Canadian Special Crops Association called on the federal government to “do everything in its power” to end the strike to limit damage to the industry and the Canadian economy.

The call was echoed by the Canadian Propane Association which warned that timely delivery of supply is important to ensure critical activities fuelled by propane can continue.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today