News / Shippers fearing rail strike in Canada keep inventory high

© Ketian Chen

Large shippers are keeping inventory high, fearing a Canadian rail strike could come sooner than expected and would likely be an ‘all or nothing scenario’.

Rail operators Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) have both suggested continuation of only ‘essential services’ would be more damaging than a complete shutdown. 

Workers at CN and CPKC were to strike on 22 May, but a request from the government for the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to “review if a strike could ...