The federal government has asked the Canada Industrial Relations Board to review whether a strike by rail workers would jeopardize Canadians' health and safety, adding a new element of uncertainty in the lead-up to potential job action.
Prompted by concerns from industry groups, the request to the tribunal by Labour Minister
"It is unlikely a decision will come down by
The board is set to examine what, if any, critical shipments must continue in the event of a strike or lockout, with a would-be work stoppage on pause until a decision on that issue is made.
"Serious concerns have been raised about potential impacts to the health and safety of Canadians. It’s our duty to look into this," O'Regan said in a social media post on Thursday evening.
Last week, employees at the country's two main railways authorized a strike mandate that could see some 9,300 workers walk off the job as soon as
The
Industry groups have sounded similar alarm bells.
"With the two national railways out, major Canadian ports like
The labour minister referred the issue to the industrial relations board after receiving a letter from the
The minister highlighted heavy fuel, propane, food and water treatment materials needed in remote communities "and throughout
The tribunal has broad authority on essential services in the event of a potential work stoppage, said
The parties are "banned from beginning a strike or lockout" until a decision comes down, the government states.
It is unclear exactly how long the review could last, but Fernandez said recent cases reveal the possibility of a drawn-out process.
“It can drag on,” she said, pointing to a dispute between
In March, the tribunal dismissed a request from the employers to require employees to work during a strike, opening the gate to a job action after a six-month delay while the query was under consideration.
Canadian Pacific Kansas City said the "unknown" timeline adds more uncertainty to a bargaining process that is coming down to the wire.
"Our supply chains need stability, now more than ever. CPKC believes these negotiations need to be resolved in a timely manner to provide certainty for the Canadian economy and for North America’s supply chains," said spokesman
CN Rail spokesman
"A delay is still possible but we are hopeful that the CIRB will move quickly," said spokesman
After a pause in talks this week, the two sides are set to return to the bargaining table next week.
In its letter to the minister, the
This report by The Canadian Press was first published
Companies in this story: (TSX:CNR, TSX:CP)
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