Conductors, engineers on picket line as CP Rail, union can't reach deal

Canadians expect a swift end to a work stoppage at CP Rail, federal Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan said Sunday, hours after thousands of workers ended up on the picket line and trains came to a halt nationwide.

There is already pressure on O'Regan to end the labour dispute, but his spokeswoman said Sunday morning the government believes the best deal is reached at the bargaining table.

"There are always challenges in bargaining, but you push through them to get the agreement you need," O'Regan said on Twitter. "CP and Teamsters Rail continue their work today. Canadians are counting on a quick resolution."

More than 3,000 CP Rail conductors, engineers, train and yard workers represented by Teamsters Canada Rail Conference are off the job after a midnight deadline set by the company to agree on a contract failed to secure a deal.

Dozens of industry groups asked the government to intervene last week and get a binding arbitration process in place before any strike or lockout.