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CFA pleased with resolve of rail dispute

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) lauds with the announcement from the Canadian government that will halt the lockdown of rail services in the country.

In a recent press release, the CFA, who represent over 190,000 farm families across Canada, was pleased with the announcement that was in the best interest of Canadians, including farmers.

The minister of Labour directed Canada Industrial Relations Board to impose binding arbitration, impacting the disruption of rail services across Canada.

While the possibility of residual impacts on farmers from the gradual shutdown is possible, the prolonged nationwide disruption of rail services would have severely impacted Canadian farmers and the economy.

CFA hopes that rail services will be fully restored as soon as possible, and that the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) work stoppage is also resolved quickly to avoid the severe consequences that a prolonged disruption could cause.

The agriculture sector has faced several labour disruptions in the past few years, including eight work stoppages over the past six years alone. The CFA was encouraged to examine the conditions leading to repeated labour disruptions in the rail sector.

“The reputation of Canada’s farmers and ranchers as a trusted food supplier, both domestically and internationally was at risk with this lockout,” said Keith Currie, CFA president, in the release. “The Minister’s decision to step in and force a resolution to the disruption was the right thing to do.”

More information can be found here.