Freight trains in Canada could resume operations within days after the government intervened to force the country’s two major railroads, Canadian National and CPKC, into arbitration with their labor union.

This move aims to prevent significant economic disruptions in both Canada and the U.S. due to a labor dispute that led to a lockout of workers.

The union, representing 10,000 engineers, conductors, and dispatchers, criticized the government’s decision, accusing the railroads of creating a crisis to prompt intervention.

The arbitration process began swiftly, and the government expects trains to start moving again soon.

The lockout halted all freight rail operations in Canada, affecting cross-border shipments and disrupting commuter services.

The dispute centers on scheduling and fatigue-related issues, with the railroads proposing changes that the union opposes, the Associated Press has reported.

The situation was seen as urgent due to the economic impact of prolonged disruptions, particularly on industries like chemicals, food distribution, and automotive manufacturing.

Written by B.C. Begley