Rail Shutdown Looms: Retailers Urged to Brace for Supply Chain Impact 

As negotiations between unions and Canadian National (CN) / Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) falter, with both sides deeply divided and the Labour Minister refusing to enforce binding arbitration, a strike is set to begin at midnight on Thursday, August 22, 2024. CN confirmed on Sunday, August 18, 2024 their plans to also lockout workers on Thursday August 22, 2024.

With the critical back-to-school and holiday seasons approaching, this disruption threatens to leave shelves empty nationwide. RCC, in partnership with over 100 business groups (see joint letter), is intensifying pressure on the government to intervene and avert a far-reaching and deeply problematic shutdown. We urge members to share the potential impacts on their businesses with RCC to strengthen our advocacy efforts. Contact Matt Poirier, VP of Federal Government Relations, at mpoirier@retailcouncil.org for questions or to voice concerns.