Montreal, QC – The ongoing CN strike has cost scores of Halifax rail workers their jobs – at least for now – as the labour stoppage continues to impact shipping across the country, according to a Canadian Press report.

More than 250 staff at Canadian National Railway Co.’s Autoport terminal, which handles cars shipped in and out of Canada, recently received layoff notices, but CN later rescinded the notices for 180 employees, indicated Unifor, the union representing the employees.

The other 70 workers facing layoffs are expected to be temporarily out of work as of Nov. 28 unless the strike ends before then. The work stoppage by CN conductors, trainpersons and yardworkers has hampered rail shipments of cars at the facility, which sits across the harbour from Halifax.

About 3,200 CN staff across the country, who have been without a contract since July 23, walked off the job early Tuesday morning over worries about long hours, fatigue and what they consider dangerous working conditions.
The federal government has faced mounting pressure to resolve the strike as premiers and industry members voice concerns about profit losses and a propane shortage affecting Quebec, Ontario and the Maritimes. (Photo Port of Halifax)