A potential strike by 9,300 Canadian rail workers could severely impact both Canada and the U.S., with major freight railroads Canadian National and CPKC facing a shutdown. As 75% of Canadian exports to the U.S. rely on rail transport, a stoppage could have significant economic repercussions.
The U.S. and Canadian chambers of commerce have expressed concern, highlighting the potential devastation to businesses and families in both countries.
Photo: Dreamstime.
Negotiations between the railroads and the Teamsters union have stalled, with issues such as shift scheduling, fatigue provisions, and wages at the centre of the dispute. Both railroads have already issued lockout notices and begun pausing shipments, particularly of sensitive materials like chemicals.
Simultaneously, the U.S. faces a potential strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, where labour contracts for 85,000 dockworkers are set to expire on September 30. Retailers and importers are already preparing for potential disruptions by shipping cargo early or redirecting it to the West Coast.
Source: www.homeaccentstoday.com