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Dear CSCA Members:

BCMEA and ILWU continue to engage in talks to resolve the labour dispute in Vancouver and Prince Rupert this morning.  However the lockout notice issued by BCMEA that would stop longshore employees from servicing the majority of non-grain bulk terminals and container terminals in Vancouver and Prince Rupert is still in place and will take effect today, May 30 at 0800 PDT.

Even if the lockout notice is rescinded, there will continue to be delays in Vancouver and Prince Rupert to move cargo as the terminals recover from the ILWU work to rule actions.

CP has recently updated their embargos on shipments to locations in Vancouver (see latest bulleting below) and invited both CN and SRY to participate.  CP is allowing shippers to apply for permits either through contacting their service representative or the permit officer:  brian_townshend@cpr.ca

Pulse Canada/CSCA continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates.

If you have any questions please contact Greg Northey – gnorthey@pulsecanada.com or (613) 868-5028.

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STATEMENT ON THE LOCKOUT AT CANADA’S TWO NATIONAL RAIL CARRIERS

August 22, 2024 – Winnipeg, MB – Today, Pulse Canada and the Canadian Pulse and Special Crops Trade Association (CPSC) issued the following statement on behalf of Chair Terry Youzwa and President Murad Al-Katib:

“For months, Pulse Canada and the CPSC have been clear that the federal government must use all tools at its disposal to ensure that Canada’s railways and economy remain open for business.

“We have worked constructively with likeminded groups through the #StopTheStrike initiative, calling on the government to act and providing viable solutions to avoid any disruption.

“The livelihoods of tens of thousands of farmers and over one hundred pulse and special crop companies have been ignored, as for the first time in our country’s history, both major national rail carriers have locked out their employees.

“For every day the rail stoppage lasts, the system requires at least one week to fully recover. This stoppage means cancelled contracts, customers lost, and irreparable damage done to our sector’s international reputation.

“We are renewing our call for Minister MacKinnon to invoke section 107 of the Canadian Labour Code and impose both sides into binding arbitration. This is the fastest way to get trains and our economy moving again.

“Our country’s leaders must show ambition, not apathy. The government must act now to stop the bleeding from this avoidable, self-inflicted wound so that Canadian farmers and agri-businesses can pick up the pieces.”

XXX

For more information visit stopthestrike.ca or contact:

Jeff English
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Pulse Canada
204-960-1622
jenglish@pulsecanada.com

STATEMENT ON THE RESUMPTION OF SERVICE AT CANADA’S TWO NATIONAL RAIL CARRIERS

August 23, 2024 – Winnipeg, MB – Today, Pulse Canada and the Canadian Pulse and Special Crops Trade Association (CPSC) issued the following statement on behalf of Chair Terry Youzwa and President Murad Al-Katib:

“The Minister’s use of section 107 to end the rail lockouts at CN and CPKC and get trains moving was necessary, appropriate, and will benefit Canada’s pulse and special crops sector. This action was a direct request from the #StopTheStrike campaign and represents the quickest way for Canada’s rail supply chain to recover and function at full capacity.

“Ongoing and planned labour actions continue to disrupt network operations on both railways, and we expect the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to enact the Ministerial orders as quickly as possible to end the uncertainty facing Canada’s pulse and special crop sector.

“Success is a full rail workforce back on the job working to deliver for Canadians. Along with our partners across Canada, we’ll continue to demand action that drives us towards that goal.”

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For more information visit stopthestrike.ca or contact:

Jeff English
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Pulse Canada
204-960-1622
jenglish@pulsecanada.com