If an eleventh-hour agreement cannot be reached, Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) intend to lock out around 9,300 employees as of 00:01 EST (04:01 GMT).
Approximately 75% of Canada’s total exports are sent to the US by rail, and a protracted conflict could impede the shipment of a variety of items, including coal, wood, potash, cereals, and beans.
The issues of pay, fatigue benefits, and shift scheduling have put a stop to the negotiations.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged the parties to resume negotiations on Wednesday.
He made brief remarks and did not take questions. “Millions of Canadians, workers, farmers, and businesses across the country are counting on both sides to do the work and get to a resolution,” he said.
In an open letter sent last week, dozens of trade and industry associations expressed concern that the disruption would have “an immediate impact” from coast to coast and harm Canada’s standing as a trading partner.
