Shipping and Logistics
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/media/k2/items/src/51f5f3eed0478dcf588b2a59174b38da.jpg)
Canadian Pacific Issues 72-hour Lockout Notice to Workers
Written by David Schollaert
March 17, 2022
North American’s supply-chain problems may be further complicated by a work stoppage of Canadian railway workers beginning Monday. The Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (CP) issued a 72-hour lockout notice to Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), which represents more than 3,000 engineers, conductors and other personnel, in the event the two sides can’t reach a negotiated settlement by midnight March 20.
Negotiations have been unsuccessful since September, and union members have voted to authorize a strike over wages, pension and benefits.
“It was well known that CP was going to force a work stoppage and lock out our members. They have done just that,” said Dave Fulton, spokesperson for TCRC. “At the bargaining table, CP continues to dismiss our members’ demands and are unwilling to negotiate the issues they have created. We remain committed to reaching an acceptable agreement that addresses our members’ issues. Our members are fully engaged and will be ready in the event CP carries out the notice.”
“We are deeply disappointed that we find ourselves in this position,” said Keith Creel, CP’s president and CEO. “CP will continue to bargain in good faith with the TCRC leadership to achieve a negotiated settlement or enter binding arbitration. The Canadian economy could avoid all the pain and damage of a work stoppage if the TCRC would agree to binding arbitration, an outcome we continue to push for.”
The Canadian agriculture and manufacturing industries have expressed their concerns regarding the impact of a walkout by railway workers. A work stoppage disrupting rail transport would be another blow to the North American steel industry, which continues to struggle with various bottlenecks.
The railroad has warned that a strike “will impact virtually all commodities within the Canadian supply chain, thereby crippling the performance of Canada’s trade-dependent economy.”
By David Schollaert, David@SteelMarketUpdate.com
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/SMU_DS_headshot.png-150x150.jpg)
David Schollaert
Read more from David SchollaertLatest in Shipping and Logistics
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/port_indiana_pile_welding_2.jpg)
Maritime union warns of impending coastwide ports strike
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have just over two months left to reach a new labor agreement and avoid a strike at all Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports. However, with talks still suspended, ILA’s president says a strike looks more likely with each passing day.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/Mississippi-River.png)
Flooding on the Mississippi forces lock closures
Flood-level waters have prompted the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to close locks on the Mississippi River.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/News_Img_2018/Mar-18/tp-trucking-t680-1lr.jpg)
Reibus: Could seasonal shipping peaks drive up spot market rates?
Flatbed rates remain roughly 20% higher than dry van but have stayed relatively calm for the first half of 2024, rising just 5% in the first half of the year and remaining negative on a year-over-year basis.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/ship_coils.png)
Maritime union suspends labor talks over automation dispute
Contract negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have soured.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/Reibus.jpg)
Reibus May logistics market update
Roughly halfway through Q2, flatbed rates are holding firm, currently showing no change from April to May and a slight increase quarter-over-quarter (q/q).