On Sunday, Feb. 15th, more than 3,300 Canadian Pacific Railway employees went on strike as a result of the failure to come to an agreement in the contract talks before the midnight deadline.
Labour and Status of Women Minister Kellie Leitch said that: “Due to this reckless disregard for Canadians, and the Canadian economy, our government will review all available options to end any work-stoppage expediently, up to and including the introduction of legislation in Parliament.”
The strike has led to the stoppage of freight moving across the country which has affected the profits and sales of not just the CPR but countless businesses who rely on railway for transportation. One of the hardest hit sectors as a result of the delays in shipment is the grain industry.
Wade Sobkowich, executive director of Western Grain Elevator Association has been urging Ottawa to deal with the strike as quickly as possible in order to prevent any damage to the grain industry.
Leitch said:“Our government will review all available options to end any work-stoppage expediently, up to and including the introduction of legislation in Parliament,”
She later tweeted: “Our government will take swift action to protect our economy.” Something she and Ottawa are moving forward with at an accelerated rate.
The legislation bill entitled: “An Act to provide for the resumption of rail service operations” will be reviewed by Leitch.
Peter Edwards,vice-president of Labor Relations for CP Rail, has publicly shown support for the government’s plan to tackle the strike.
If Ottawa will introduce the legislation which is meant to be discussed today, all 3,300 engineers will be forced to go back to work, or face other circumstances, that have yet to be discussed.
The Canadian Pacific Railway strike is said to cost the Canadian economy approximately $205 million a week if it continues.
