'Frustrating and worrisome': Rail lockout causing concern for Sask. producers

Stakeholders are continuing to sound off all across Saskatchewan as a lockout of Canada's two major railways has begun.

Stakeholders are continuing to sound off all across Saskatchewan as a lockout of Canada’s two major railways has begun.

For the first time in history, Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) have implemented a simultaneous work stoppage after bargaining efforts with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference broke down just after midnight Wednesday.

The Teamsters represent 6,000 CN workers and 3,300 CPKC workers across the country. The two sides have been in negotiations since last year – with the collective bargaining agreements for the two railways expiring in December.

Rail services across the country are now at a standstill as the two parties remain far apart on issues including crew scheduling, fatigue management and safety.

Affected industries ranging from mining to agriculture to construction have voiced their worries on how any work stoppage affecting rail service will effect their respective industries.

As Saskatchewan producers now report harvest is 15 per cent complete, the question of where their precious yields will go is weighing heavy. This includes Lesley Kelly – her family has been farming almost as long as Saskatchewan has been a province.

She says any rail stoppage will heavily impact every single producer in the province and lead to desperate times the longer it remains an issue.