The administration of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is not intervening in a labor dispute between railroad companies and unions, potentially leading to a complete shutdown of rail freight with devastating consequences for Canadian and American businesses.
Key Points
Rail freight shutdown could impact daily life and economy
Small businesses likely to suffer disproportionately
Growing pressure on Trudeau to take action to prevent economic damage
Pros
Competitive rates for rail freight in Canada
Integral to many Canadian business models
Generous salary increases offered by railroad companies
Cons
Potential devastating consequences for Canadian and American businesses
Risk of worker fatigue and accidents due to demands on scheduling and relocation
Threat of billions of dollars in damage from spoiled food and harm to Canadian food exports