Business groups call on federal government to prevent rail work stoppage

A coalition of business groups is calling on the federal government to prevent a work stoppage at Canada’s two biggest railways. If the work stoppage occurs, it will affect commuters who take lines that run through Mississauga, Milton and Hamilton.

A phased shutdown of the networks at Canadian National Railway Co. and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. is already underway as the clock ticks down on contact talks with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference.

Unless deals are reached, rail service at both companies is poised to stop at 12:01 a.m. ET on Thursday.

Metrolinx says if there are work stoppages, GO train service on the Milton line — which has several stops in Mississauga — and at the Hamilton GO station will be halted.

In a joint statement, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Business Council of Canada, Canadian Federation of Independent Business and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters say Ottawa needs to take action to ensure the continuation of rail services.

They say the federal labour minister can refer the dispute to the Canada Industrial Relations Board for binding arbitration and prohibit a strike, lockout or end any ongoing stoppage pending a resolution.

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Alternatively, the business groups say the government can use back-to-work legislation.

The Canadian Press