CIFFA Writes Letter to Labour Minister: Rail Strike
Dear Minister,
We are writing to express the alarm of our membership at the prospect of a major railway disruption paralyzing the Canadian economy. An unprecedented simultaneous strike at both Class 1 railways in Canada will do terrible damage to our members and their clients.
Rail embargoes are currently in place in anticipation of the August 22nd labour disruption, which will have significant impacts to inventory delays and increased consumer costs.
As the parties continue to communicate that the sides remain far apart, we earnestly believe the government should invoke its authority under section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to direct the Canada Industrial Relations Board bring the parties to an agreement employing binding arbitration.
However, with your decision not to intervene, we face the present reality that a stoppage of our two Class 1 railways will severely damage the economy and create loss of income for Canadians that depend on a reliable supply chain. Strikes and lockouts punish the millions of consumers and shippers who are not involved in the negotiations and who will not be compensated in the eventual settlement, not to mention the reputation of Canada as a trading partner.
We urge you to act in defense of Canadians before this results in irreparable harm.
Sincerely,
Bruce Rodgers Executive Director, CIFFA
Julia Kuzeljevich Director, Policy and Regulatory Affairs, CIFFA
