The prime minister is urging CN, CPKC and the union representing their workers to reach an agreement and avoid a rail disruption.
Both rail companies have said they will lock out around 9,000 engineers, conductors and yard workers early Thursday if a deal is not reached.
“My message is very straightforward. It is in the best interest of both sides to continue doing the hard work at the table to find a negotiated resolution,” Justin Trudeau told reporters on Wednesday.
“Millions of Canadians, of workers, of farmers, of businesses right across the country are counting on both sides to do the work and get to a resolution.”
Trudeau avoided questions on whether the federal government would intervene in the dispute, despite growing calls for them to do so.
“A stoppage of rail service will be devastating to Canadian businesses and families and impose significant impacts on the U.S. economy,” said a joint statement from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
“Significant two-way trade and deeply integrated supply chains between Canada and the United States mean that any significant rail disruption will jeopardize the livelihoods of workers across multiple industries on both sides of the border.”
The chambers said the government can refer the dispute to the Canada Industrial Relations Board “for binding arbitration and prohibit a strike, lockout or end any ongoing stoppage pending a resolution.”
Additionally, the government could also reconvene Parliament to introduce back-to-work legislation.
“This is not about siding with either party; it is about standing up for Canadians. The federal government must show leadership and act before our trains – and with them, our economy – grind to a halt,” said the statement.
“Otherwise, the steep price of inaction will be paid by Canadian families, workers, and businesses.”
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