By Paul Vieira


A potential strike at Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City is unlikely to start on the planned date of May 22, as the national labor-relations board says it needs more than a week to rule on whether the railroads must transport certain goods due to health and safety concerns.

Canada Industrial Relations Board said Monday it needs to hear input from the Canadian railroads, the Teamsters Canada union and other parties, and is willing to accept written submissions until the end of the business day on May 21. That indicates there would be no ruling ahead of May 22, or the original date that the Teamster Canada union -- representing 9,000 workers at the railroads -- said a simultaneous strike could begin at both railroads in the event negotiations to renew three collective agreements fail to produce accords.

Under Canada's labor laws, a strike cannot start until the board issues a decision.

Canadian Labor Minister Seamus O'Regan last week triggered the board's review, after filing a request due to concerns about the potential impacts to health and safety from a strike at both railroads. "It's our duty to look into this," he said.

One example is the shipment of propane, which is used in rural communities as a home-heating source, and by farmers to dry oilseeds, sunflowers, nuts, vegetables or fruits to increase yields and reduce storage losses.

In a notice issued Monday, the board is asking for information about propane shipments on both Canadian National and CPKC, and "what alternatives, if any, [the railroads'] clients have for the delivery of such products."

From Canadian National, the board is also seeking information about shipments of heavy fuel, food, and chemicals used at water-treatment plants in remote communities and across the country.

The Teamsters Canada union said it would comply with any order from the labor-relations board. Spokesmen for the two railroads said they are seeking to resolve bargaining issues in a timely manner.


Write to Paul Vieira at paul.vieira@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

05-13-24 1256ET