Tony Craddock – stock.adobe.com

The Canada Industrial Relation Board, prompted by Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon, ended the impasse between the Teamsters and both the Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacifica Kansas City (CPKC) on Saturday. The decision forced over 9,000 Canadian rail workers to continue working and imposed arbitration between the railways and rail workers. President of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, Paul Boucher, said the union plans to challenge the ruling legally, fearing it could set a precedent.

The Teamsters have indicated that they will obey the order and return to work. The dispute triggered a first-ever lockout of the Teamsters by the railroads. Key disagreements include shift durations and availability, with the union opposing proposed longer shifts.

CN Spokesperson Jonathan Abecassis said CN tried to get an agreement for nine months and made five offers that would have improved wages and working conditions.

CN and CPKC both reported they are currently focused on restoring service.

Read more on the Canadian Rail Workers returning to work here.