OTTAWA — The future of an unprecedented Canada railway stoppage hinged on a decision expected Saturday from a federal labour board amid an ongoing, bitter contract dispute between the country's two largest railway companies and the Teamsters union representing thousands of their workers.
“The union will lawfully abide by any decision from the CIRB, and is prepared to file challenges in Federal Court if necessary," the union said in a statement issued after Friday's hearing. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon stepped in later that day, asking the labour board to send the parties to binding arbitration and to force workers back on the job while an agreement is hammered out.
The board held meetings Thursday night and Friday, and has said it's addressing the issue"with utmost urgency."