Photo by Curtis Galbraith.

By Curtis Galbraith

Railways

Farm groups start online campaing aimed at ending rail strike

Aug 16, 2024 | 6:00 AM

Alberta Grains and Alberta Canola are both asking farmers to join an online campaign aimed at stopping a potential work stoppage at Canada’s two railways.

An email from each organization includes a link to a website where people can send a letter to Labour Minister Steve MacKinnon, calling on the federal government to avoid any kind interruption to rail service.

The emails say Canada has a hard-earned reputation for being a supplier of agriculture products to the world, and that reputation is threatened by service interruptions.

Canadian National Railway issued a news release on August 9, saying it has presented offers to the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference in January, April and May and asked for binding arbitration and for the Minister of Labour to intervene.

CN said in that same release that without a resolution, it would have to start what it calls “a phased and progressive shutdown of its network.” That process has already started with some stoppage of hauling hazardous goods.

CN and Canadian Pacific Kansas City, also in a release from August 9, both say they will lockout workers are of August 22 if a deal is not reached.