Small businesses and transit face severe impacts if the rail strike proceeds, CFIB calls for urgent action
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is urging a swift resolution to the impending work stoppage at Canada’s major railway companies, Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. (CPKC) and Canadian National Railway Co. (CN).
CFIB warns that any disruption in railway operations could have dire consequences for small businesses, their employees, and surrounding communities. Small businesses often rely heavily on rail services for the shipment and receipt of goods, products, and essential materials.
Prolonged disruptions could escalate costs for these businesses, leading to potential losses in sales and contracts if deliveries are delayed.
In addition to affecting small businesses, the work stoppage is expected to disrupt public transit and commuting in major cities such as Toronto and Montreal, resulting in increased business costs and widespread supply chain issues.
Despite the Canada Industrial Relations Board’s (CIRB) decision to prohibit the maintenance of certain activities during a work stoppage, CFIB emphasizes that politicians still hold the power to amend labour laws.
CFIB continues to advocate for ports and railways to be designated as essential services, ensuring they remain fully operational at all times, according to Jasmin Guenette, vice-president, National Affairs at CFIB.
The stoppage is set to begin at 12:01 am ET on Thursday, August 22.
