Rail Strike Update: Right to Strike or Lock-out Suspended

Attention retailers managing supply chain logistics. On May 9, 2024 , Federal Labour Minister’s Seamus O’Regan referred concerns to the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) about the health and safety of Canadians in a rail strike scenario. The Minister has suspended the right either to strike or lock-out pending the ruling of the CIRB. This referral is about broad implications for Canadians’ health and safety, notably issues like not having plans in place to ship propane for heating fuel, rural hospital operations, etc. This will almost certainly delay any rail strike dates beyond their otherwise earliest possible occurrence on May 22, 2024. There is no certainty for how long, as it is really down to the CIRB’s timing. RCC continues to advocate forcefully for the parties and government to take whatever steps are necessary to settle the negotiations without a strike or lock-out.