CP Rail stoppage enters second day as federal government feels pressure to intervene
A spokesperson for the government said that they believe the best deal is reached at the bargaining table, indicating that the government may not intervene for some time.
The pressure is on in Ottawa as of Mar. 21 as a CP Rail work stoppage enters its second day.
Industry leaders and politicians have urged Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan to end the labour dispute after 3,000 conductors, engineers and train and yard workers were off the job over the weekend.
The company and union both blamed each other for causing the work stoppage, though both also said they were still talking with federal mediators on Mar. 20.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce President Perrin Beatty says O’Regan must table back to work legislation immediately. He warns the consequences to the supply chain — already battered by the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainty in northern Europe — could be severe.
The House of Commons resumes as well as of Mar. 21st following a two-week break, so legislation could come immediately if the government so chooses.
But a spokeswoman for O’Regan said on Mar. 20th that the government believes the best deal is reached at the bargaining table.
