A possible rail strike that could have jeopardized American freight traffic and agricultural interests was averted at the last minute.

Reversing the government’s previous position against intervention, Canadian Labour Minister Steve MacKinnon announced on August 22 that he was directing the Canada Industrial Relations Board to assist Canadian Pacific Kansas City, Canadian National Railway and the Teamsters Union, which represent about 10,000 Canadian rail workers, in resolving the negotiations, including by “imposing final, binding arbitration.” The surprise intervention came after the government had previously said it wanted the parties to resolve their issues through negotiations.

Both railways had already locked out union members at 00:01 after failing to agree on a collective agreement. It was the end of a waiting period imposed by the CIRB. The railway workers’ last contract expired in December and the two sides were far apart on working conditions and rest periods.”

The possible strike by a Canadian railway union representing thousands of workers could have an indirect impact on the interests of American agriculture.

You can reach David Murray at (email protected).