Supply chain workers should be deemed essential to avoid future stoppages: business groups

The temporary work stoppage at Canadian Pacific Railway this week has prompted several business groups to call for a permanent solution.

Some business groups said the federal government should designate railway workers and other supply chain employees as essential to prevent further disruptions.

The union agreed to a final and binding arbitration with the company on Tuesday to get workers back on the job after a 48-hour work stoppage.

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Some business leaders, such as Fertilizer Canada, say there have been too many disruptions to the Canadian supply chain in recent years. Since 2019, its members have dealt with strikes at Canadian National Railway Co. and the Port of Montreal, in addition to the most recent labour dispute at CP.

Meanwhile, Federal Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan has said such a move could interfere with workers’ right to bargain. But he says it may be time for the government to look at ways to bring more certainty to contract talks.