Back-to-work Order Issued for 2 Major Canada Railroads. Union Will Comply, but Lawsuit Planned

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – AUGUST 21: A Canadian National Railway locomotive pulls a train through the CPKC Waterfront Layover Yard on August 21, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. A labor dispute between Teamsters union members and Canada’s two main rail carriers, Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City, could disrupt supply chains in the United States and Canada. The rail carriers plan to lock out workers at 12:01am on Thursday, if a deal isn’t reached. (Photo by Andrew Chin/Getty Images)

TORONTO (AP) — The Canadian arbitrator appointed to resolve a messy railroad labor dispute to protect the North American economy has ordered employees at the country’s two major railroads back to work so both can resume operating. The Teamsters union representing workers said Saturday that it will comply with the order. But it will also move forward with a legal challenge because the union believes the order “sets a dangerous precedent” that the government will side with big companies and block strikes when they disrupt the economy. Canadian National will be able to continue operating its trains that restarted Friday morning while CPKC railroad likely won’t be able to restart until Monday when workers were ordered to return.