OTTAWA (Reuters) -Canadian Pacific Kansas City, one of Canada’s two main rail companies, on Friday said it would lock out employees on Aug 22 if the two sides were unable to negotiate a labor contract.
A strike or lockout could cause significant economic damage in Canada, which relies heavily on its extensive railway network, given its expansive geography and exports such as grain, potash and coal.
CPKC, rival Canadian National Railway (TSX:) and the Teamsters union last week agreed to restart stalled contract talks with the aid of a federal mediator.
Earlier in the day the country’s labor relations board ruled that a strike could not start until Aug 22.
“CPKC is acting to protect Canada’s supply chains, and all those who depend on them, from the more widespread disruption that would be created should a work stoppage occur during the fall peak shipping period,” it said in a statement.
“CPKC provides this public notice to mitigate…
