A workers union has issued a strike notice against Canadian National (CN), one of Canada's major freight railroads, just hours after train services resumed following a temporary shutdown. The strike threat comes amid failed negotiations for a new labor contract between CN and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, prompting the government to intervene and enforce arbitration.

The lockout, which occurred on Thursday, resulted in a significant disruption to freight rail operations throughout the country. While CN has resumed its service, trains operated by Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. (CPKC) remain stationary, with workers continuing their strike. The union’s challenge to the arbitration order adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing dispute.

The strike notice, filed by the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, will expire at 10 a.m. on Monday. The timing of the Canada Industrial Relations Board's decision on the arbitration could determine if CN trains will be affected once again. If the matter is resolved before the strike notice expires, CN employees may continue working, while CPKC workers could potentially return to their jobs as the union challenges the legality of the arbitration order through legal channels.

Both CN and CPKC are crucial for the transportation of goods across Canada and the United States, making this labor dispute a matter of national interest. With approximately 6,500 workers involved in the CN dispute and around 3,000 employees affected at CPKC, the potential economic repercussions are far-reaching. Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, voiced concerns about prolonged damage to the economy and the livelihoods of workers in various industries, both union and non-union.

The decision to force CN and the union into binding arbitration was made by Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon following more than 16 hours of railroad shutdown. The minister cited the significant economic risk as the reason for intervention, despite initially hoping for a successful negotiation between the parties. However, the union stated that their intent to strike was not in defiance of the minister's order but an exercise of their legal rights within the framework.

With the resumption of CN train services and the strike notice in place, the situation remains uncertain. The timely decision by the Canada Industrial Relations Board is eagerly awaited by all parties involved, as they seek a resolution to prevent further work stoppages and mitigate the potential harm to the economy.