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A
strike or lockout could cause significant economic damage in
Canada, which relies heavily on its extensive railway network,
given its expansive geography and exports such as grain, potash
and coal.
CPKC, rival Canadian National Railway and the Teamsters union
last week agreed to restart stalled contract talks with the aid
of a federal mediator.
Earlier in the day the country's labor relations board ruled
that a strike could not start until Aug 22.
"CPKC is acting to protect Canada's supply chains, and all those
who depend on them, from the more widespread disruption that
would be created should a work stoppage occur during the fall
peak shipping period," it said in a statement.
"CPKC provides this public notice to mitigate uncertainty and
give our customers and supply chains proper time to plan for a
safe and orderly shutdown of railway operations."
The Teamsters, unhappy about rail company proposals they say
could jeopardize safety, announced they would give 72 hours
advance notice in the event of any strike action.
In response, Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said in a social
media post that "it is the responsibility of unions and
employers to negotiate deals at the bargaining table" and called
on both sides to keep talking.
(Reporting by David LjunggrenEditing by Chris Reese, Frances
Kerry and David Gregorio)
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