Canadian Teamsters filed four separate challenges Thursday in Canada’s Federal Court of Appeal, challenging the Minister of Labour’s order for binding arbitration and the Canada Industrial Relations Board’s decision to halt the lockout and work stoppage. There are two challenges from each railway company.
This latest legal step comes after the union announced it would challenge the ruling.
The CIRB had originally ordered the railroads and unions to appear on Thursday for a scheduled meeting about the arbitration process, but due to a scheduling issue with one of the attorneys, the CIRB agreed to reschedule the first meeting.
CIRB tells American Shipper: “No date has been set yet. We are awaiting confirmation of availability of the lots.”
Union officials tell American Shipper they are confident the law is on their side and that the court is allowing unions to negotiate with the railroads in the traditional way rather than through arbitration.
The union claims that its constitutional rights have been violated and is asking for a ruling as soon as possible.
“The government’s interference has prolonged the negotiation process,” said Christopher Monette, director of public affairs for Teamsters Canada. “This only adds more uncertainty to the supply chain.”
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