The country’s labor tribunal says services provided by rail employees do not amount to essential work, opening the gate to a full-fledged strike in less than two weeks.

In a pair of rulings Friday, the Canada Industrial Relations Board said a work stoppage would not pose a “serious danger” to public health or safety, despite concerns around food security, fuel supply and water treatment.

Consequently, in the event of a work stoppage, employees of the two main railways would not be compelled to continue hauling goods, including key commodities such as chlorine for water and propane for care centers.

The 13-day cooling-off period ordered by the tribunal means that if new contracts cannot be reached, a nationwide strike could occur as early as Aug. 22.

Shippers and producers say the potential job action by workers at Canadian National Railway Co. or Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. — or both simultaneously — would halt freight traffic, clog ports and disrupt industries.

In May, then-labour minister Seamus O’Regan asked the industrial relations board to review whether a work stoppage would jeopardize Canadians’ health and safety after the union voted overwhelming to approve a strike mandate.

“From the very beginning, rail workers have only ever sought a fair and equitable agreement. Unfortunately, both rail companies are demanding concessions that could tear families apart or jeopardize rail safety. Rail workers have fought for a safer and more humane industry for decades, and we will not accept moving backwards,” Paul Boucher, president, Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, said in a related release.

The union will provide 72 hours’ strike notice ahead of any work stoppage, it says.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 9, 2024.