OTTAWA, Ont. — With the return of Parliament today, the Canadian Industrial Transportation Association (CITA), is urging the government to act rapidly to pass the back-to-work legislation, Bill C-46, tabled in Parliament in February.

CITA has been in communication with the Minster of Labour since this work stoppage began, first in February, and then renewed in April when the train service employees represented by the United Transportation Union (UTU) rejected the draft settlement negotiated between the company and union executive.

This strike adds to the logistical problems faced by a broad spectrum of Canadian industry in serving domestic and export markets said Bob Ballantyne, president of CITA. Shippers serving highly competitive export markets and retailers needing to stock their shelves with seasonal imported merchandise will all be affected.

When a labour impasse in an essential service like rail freight is reached, it is necessary for the government to take swift and decisive action to minimize the damage to Canadian industry, Canadian workers and farmers, and the broader Canadian economy. CITA urges early passage and implementation of Bill C-46, Ballantyne added.

The CITA member companies contribute approximately $100 billion annually to the Canadian economy and purchase approximately $4 billion in freight services by truck, rail, marine and airfreight.