Canada’s supply chain leaders are urging the federal government to take immediate action to prevent the CN and CPKC railways lockout that is scheduled to begin at 00:01 ET on Aug. 22, following the official 72-hour strike and lockout notices issued Aug. 18.

“The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Chamber of Commerce are calling on the Government of Canada to immediately intervene to avert a disruption in the Canadian rail network. A stoppage of rail service will be devastating to Canadian businesses and families and impose significant impacts on the U.S. economy,” said Perrin Beatty, president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and Suzanne Clark, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in a joint statement.

“Significant two-way trade and deeply integrated supply chains between Canada and the United States mean that any significant rail disruption will jeopardize the livelihoods of workers across multiple industries on both sides of the border. The Government of Canada must take action to ensure goods continue to move reliably between our two countries.”

Other industry leaders are sounding the alarm about the severe consequences a lockout could have on the Canadian economy.

Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA) expressed their members’ serious concerns over the potential disruption. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, they emphasized the repercussions of an unprecedented simultaneous strike at both Class 1 railways in Canada, noting that it “will do terrible damage to our members and their clients.” The association urged the government to use its authority under section 107 of the Canada Labor Code to direct the Canada Industrial Relations Board to bring the parties to an agreement through binding arbitration.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) also called for an immediate resolution, stressing the impact on small businesses. “Any disruptions to railway operations could be devastating for small businesses, their employees, and communities,” said Jasmin Guenette, CFIB’s vice-president of national affairs. The organization also urged the government to make ports and rails essential services to ensure they remain operational during labor disputes.

In British Columbia, the National Institute of Supply Chain Leaders B.C. (NISCL BC) issued another advisory, warning of significant disruptions to the province’s supply chains if the lockout proceeds. The NISCL BC advised businesses and consumers to prepare for delays and explore alternative transportation options where possible.