CN and CPKC lock out rail workers and stop Canadian freight rail
CN and CPKC lock out rail workers and stop Canadian freight rail. The disruption ran from 2024-08-22 (22 August 2024) to 2024-08-26 (26 August 2024), 5 days, affecting Vancouver (CA), Prince Rupert. The measured effect for this event has not been computed yet.
Key facts
- Started
- 2024-08-22 (22 August 2024)
- Ended
- 2024-08-26 (26 August 2024)
- Status
- ended
- Type
- Labour action
- Severity
- 2 Moderate
- Scope
- regional
- Chokepoints
- None
- Ports
- Vancouver (CA), Prince Rupert
- Lanes
- None
- Countries
- Canada
- Confidence
- high: The lockout notices, the end of the CN lockout, the labour board order and the CPKC restart time come from the railways' and the union's own dated statements and the port authority, with consistent reporting by CBC News and FreightWaves.
- First reported
- 2024-08-18 (18 August 2024)
- Severity basis: Rail service that carries about two thirds of Port of Vancouver cargo stopped for under 24 hours on CN and from 2024-08-22 until a restart at 00:01 Eastern on 2024-08-26 on CPKC; no measured port effect has been computed yet, so level 2 is provisional.
What happened
On 2024-08-22 (22 August 2024) Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) locked out members of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, and freight trains stopped on both railways at once. The federal labour minister used section 107 of the Canada Labour Code the same day to send the dispute to the Canada Industrial Relations Board for binding arbitration. CN ended its lockout at 18:00 Eastern that evening. The board's order of 2024-08-24 led CPKC to restart operations from 00:01 Eastern on 2024-08-26 (26 August 2024). The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority said that rail carries about two thirds of its cargo and that a full recovery would take time, while the mayor of Prince Rupert warned of damage to a town built around its port.
Measured effect
Port calls, Vancouver (CA)
Not yet computed. The effect engine (wfm-effect-1.2) will compare 2024-08-22 to 2024-08-26 with a 56 day baseline ending 8 days before the start, once the series for this window is loaded.
Source: IMF PortWatch (portwatch.imf.org), International Monetary Fund, using UN Global Platform AIS data. Statistics derived by World Freight Monitor. Terms. Retrieved 2026-10-21 (21 October 2026).
| Date | calls per day |
|---|---|
| 2024-06-13 | 6 |
| 2024-06-14 | 4 |
| 2024-06-15 | 8 |
| 2024-06-16 | 8 |
| 2024-06-17 | 8 |
| 2024-06-18 | 7 |
| 2024-06-19 | 5 |
| 2024-06-20 | 3 |
| 2024-06-21 | 4 |
| 2024-06-22 | 7 |
| 2024-06-23 | 6 |
| 2024-06-24 | 7 |
| 2024-06-25 | 7 |
| 2024-06-26 | 5 |
| 2024-06-27 | 3 |
| 2024-06-28 | 4 |
| 2024-06-29 | 8 |
| 2024-06-30 | 9 |
| 2024-07-01 | 3 |
| 2024-07-02 | 6 |
| 2024-07-03 | 8 |
| 2024-07-04 | 3 |
| 2024-07-05 | 4 |
| 2024-07-06 | 4 |
| 2024-07-07 | 7 |
| 2024-07-08 | 9 |
| 2024-07-09 | 4 |
| 2024-07-10 | 7 |
| 2024-07-11 | 8 |
| 2024-07-12 | 2 |
| 2024-07-13 | 2 |
| 2024-07-14 | 8 |
| 2024-07-15 | 4 |
| 2024-07-16 | 7 |
| 2024-07-17 | 8 |
| 2024-07-18 | 7 |
| 2024-07-19 | 4 |
| 2024-07-20 | 6 |
| 2024-07-21 | 3 |
| 2024-07-22 | 7 |
| 2024-07-23 | 4 |
| 2024-07-24 | 6 |
| 2024-07-25 | 3 |
| 2024-07-26 | 8 |
| 2024-07-27 | 7 |
| 2024-07-28 | 7 |
| 2024-07-29 | 6 |
| 2024-07-30 | 6 |
| 2024-07-31 | 4 |
| 2024-08-01 | 4 |
| 2024-08-02 | 4 |
| 2024-08-03 | 8 |
| 2024-08-04 | 4 |
| 2024-08-05 | 4 |
| 2024-08-06 | 11 |
| 2024-08-07 | 7 |
| 2024-08-08 | 5 |
| 2024-08-09 | 8 |
| 2024-08-10 | 3 |
| 2024-08-11 | 4 |
| 2024-08-12 | 6 |
| 2024-08-13 | 8 |
| 2024-08-14 | 8 |
| 2024-08-15 | 5 |
| 2024-08-16 | 4 |
| 2024-08-17 | 5 |
| 2024-08-18 | 4 |
| 2024-08-19 | 6 |
| 2024-08-20 | 5 |
| 2024-08-21 | 4 |
| 2024-08-22 | 4 |
| 2024-08-23 | 5 |
| 2024-08-24 | 4 |
| 2024-08-25 | 5 |
| 2024-08-26 | 4 |
| 2024-08-27 | 5 |
| 2024-08-28 | 5 |
| 2024-08-29 | 5 |
| 2024-08-30 | 11 |
| 2024-08-31 | 6 |
| 2024-09-01 | 7 |
| 2024-09-02 | 4 |
| 2024-09-03 | 3 |
| 2024-09-04 | 8 |
| 2024-09-05 | 4 |
| 2024-09-06 | 10 |
| 2024-09-07 | 5 |
| 2024-09-08 | 4 |
| 2024-09-09 | 9 |
| 2024-09-10 | 7 |
| 2024-09-11 | 3 |
| 2024-09-12 | 5 |
| 2024-09-13 | 7 |
| 2024-09-14 | 5 |
| 2024-09-15 | 5 |
| 2024-09-16 | 8 |
| 2024-09-17 | 7 |
| 2024-09-18 | 7 |
| 2024-09-19 | 8 |
| 2024-09-20 | 8 |
| 2024-09-21 | 8 |
| 2024-09-22 | 6 |
| 2024-09-23 | 9 |
| 2024-09-24 | 6 |
| 2024-09-25 | 3 |
| 2024-09-26 | 4 |
| 2024-09-27 | 4 |
| 2024-09-28 | 9 |
| 2024-09-29 | 8 |
| 2024-09-30 | 4 |
| 2024-10-01 | 8 |
| 2024-10-02 | 10 |
| 2024-10-03 | 4 |
| 2024-10-04 | 6 |
| 2024-10-05 | 9 |
| 2024-10-06 | 4 |
| 2024-10-07 | 5 |
This is a measured change in public data during the event window, compared with a baseline before it. It shows timing, not cause. We describe an event as causing a change only when an official source says so.
Container ship port calls, Vancouver (CA)
Not yet computed. The effect engine (wfm-effect-1.2) will compare 2024-08-22 to 2024-08-26 with a 56 day baseline ending 8 days before the start, once the series for this window is loaded.
Source: IMF PortWatch (portwatch.imf.org), International Monetary Fund, using UN Global Platform AIS data. Statistics derived by World Freight Monitor. Terms. Retrieved 2026-10-21 (21 October 2026).
| Date | calls per day |
|---|---|
| 2024-06-13 | 0 |
| 2024-06-14 | 1 |
| 2024-06-15 | 1 |
| 2024-06-16 | 2 |
| 2024-06-17 | 0 |
| 2024-06-18 | 0 |
| 2024-06-19 | 1 |
| 2024-06-20 | 1 |
| 2024-06-21 | 0 |
| 2024-06-22 | 0 |
| 2024-06-23 | 1 |
| 2024-06-24 | 2 |
| 2024-06-25 | 1 |
| 2024-06-26 | 1 |
| 2024-06-27 | 0 |
| 2024-06-28 | 0 |
| 2024-06-29 | 2 |
| 2024-06-30 | 1 |
| 2024-07-01 | 0 |
| 2024-07-02 | 0 |
| 2024-07-03 | 2 |
| 2024-07-04 | 1 |
| 2024-07-05 | 0 |
| 2024-07-06 | 1 |
| 2024-07-07 | 2 |
| 2024-07-08 | 1 |
| 2024-07-09 | 0 |
| 2024-07-10 | 1 |
| 2024-07-11 | 1 |
| 2024-07-12 | 0 |
| 2024-07-13 | 0 |
| 2024-07-14 | 1 |
| 2024-07-15 | 2 |
| 2024-07-16 | 1 |
| 2024-07-17 | 0 |
| 2024-07-18 | 0 |
| 2024-07-19 | 0 |
| 2024-07-20 | 2 |
| 2024-07-21 | 2 |
| 2024-07-22 | 0 |
| 2024-07-23 | 0 |
| 2024-07-24 | 2 |
| 2024-07-25 | 0 |
| 2024-07-26 | 0 |
| 2024-07-27 | 0 |
| 2024-07-28 | 2 |
| 2024-07-29 | 2 |
| 2024-07-30 | 0 |
| 2024-07-31 | 1 |
| 2024-08-01 | 0 |
| 2024-08-02 | 1 |
| 2024-08-03 | 0 |
| 2024-08-04 | 1 |
| 2024-08-05 | 0 |
| 2024-08-06 | 2 |
| 2024-08-07 | 0 |
| 2024-08-08 | 2 |
| 2024-08-09 | 0 |
| 2024-08-10 | 1 |
| 2024-08-11 | 2 |
| 2024-08-12 | 0 |
| 2024-08-13 | 0 |
| 2024-08-14 | 1 |
| 2024-08-15 | 1 |
| 2024-08-16 | 0 |
| 2024-08-17 | 0 |
| 2024-08-18 | 1 |
| 2024-08-19 | 0 |
| 2024-08-20 | 0 |
| 2024-08-21 | 2 |
| 2024-08-22 | 1 |
| 2024-08-23 | 0 |
| 2024-08-24 | 0 |
| 2024-08-25 | 1 |
| 2024-08-26 | 1 |
| 2024-08-27 | 0 |
| 2024-08-28 | 2 |
| 2024-08-29 | 0 |
| 2024-08-30 | 1 |
| 2024-08-31 | 0 |
| 2024-09-01 | 2 |
| 2024-09-02 | 0 |
| 2024-09-03 | 0 |
| 2024-09-04 | 2 |
| 2024-09-05 | 0 |
| 2024-09-06 | 2 |
| 2024-09-07 | 1 |
| 2024-09-08 | 0 |
| 2024-09-09 | 1 |
| 2024-09-10 | 2 |
| 2024-09-11 | 0 |
| 2024-09-12 | 1 |
| 2024-09-13 | 1 |
| 2024-09-14 | 1 |
| 2024-09-15 | 1 |
| 2024-09-16 | 1 |
| 2024-09-17 | 1 |
| 2024-09-18 | 1 |
| 2024-09-19 | 1 |
| 2024-09-20 | 1 |
| 2024-09-21 | 0 |
| 2024-09-22 | 1 |
| 2024-09-23 | 2 |
| 2024-09-24 | 1 |
| 2024-09-25 | 1 |
| 2024-09-26 | 1 |
| 2024-09-27 | 0 |
| 2024-09-28 | 1 |
| 2024-09-29 | 1 |
| 2024-09-30 | 0 |
| 2024-10-01 | 0 |
| 2024-10-02 | 0 |
| 2024-10-03 | 1 |
| 2024-10-04 | 1 |
| 2024-10-05 | 0 |
| 2024-10-06 | 0 |
| 2024-10-07 | 2 |
This is a measured change in public data during the event window, compared with a baseline before it. It shows timing, not cause. We describe an event as causing a change only when an official source says so.
Port calls, Prince Rupert
Not yet computed. The effect engine (wfm-effect-1.2) will compare 2024-08-22 to 2024-08-26 with a 56 day baseline ending 8 days before the start, once the series for this window is loaded.
Source: IMF PortWatch (portwatch.imf.org), International Monetary Fund, using UN Global Platform AIS data. Statistics derived by World Freight Monitor. Terms. Retrieved 2026-10-21 (21 October 2026).
| Date | calls per day |
|---|---|
| 2024-06-13 | 1 |
| 2024-06-14 | 2 |
| 2024-06-15 | 1 |
| 2024-06-16 | 0 |
| 2024-06-17 | 0 |
| 2024-06-18 | 0 |
| 2024-06-19 | 3 |
| 2024-06-20 | 1 |
| 2024-06-21 | 1 |
| 2024-06-22 | 3 |
| 2024-06-23 | 0 |
| 2024-06-24 | 2 |
| 2024-06-25 | 1 |
| 2024-06-26 | 2 |
| 2024-06-27 | 1 |
| 2024-06-28 | 3 |
| 2024-06-29 | 2 |
| 2024-06-30 | 2 |
| 2024-07-01 | 1 |
| 2024-07-02 | 2 |
| 2024-07-03 | 1 |
| 2024-07-04 | 1 |
| 2024-07-05 | 0 |
| 2024-07-06 | 2 |
| 2024-07-07 | 0 |
| 2024-07-08 | 1 |
| 2024-07-09 | 1 |
| 2024-07-10 | 2 |
| 2024-07-11 | 1 |
| 2024-07-12 | 2 |
| 2024-07-13 | 1 |
| 2024-07-14 | 2 |
| 2024-07-15 | 2 |
| 2024-07-16 | 1 |
| 2024-07-17 | 0 |
| 2024-07-18 | 0 |
| 2024-07-19 | 1 |
| 2024-07-20 | 2 |
| 2024-07-21 | 1 |
| 2024-07-22 | 4 |
| 2024-07-23 | 0 |
| 2024-07-24 | 1 |
| 2024-07-25 | 2 |
| 2024-07-26 | 1 |
| 2024-07-27 | 1 |
| 2024-07-28 | 0 |
| 2024-07-29 | 1 |
| 2024-07-30 | 3 |
| 2024-07-31 | 1 |
| 2024-08-01 | 0 |
| 2024-08-02 | 1 |
| 2024-08-03 | 3 |
| 2024-08-04 | 0 |
| 2024-08-05 | 2 |
| 2024-08-06 | 2 |
| 2024-08-07 | 1 |
| 2024-08-08 | 1 |
| 2024-08-09 | 2 |
| 2024-08-10 | 1 |
| 2024-08-11 | 2 |
| 2024-08-12 | 1 |
| 2024-08-13 | 0 |
| 2024-08-14 | 0 |
| 2024-08-15 | 0 |
| 2024-08-16 | 0 |
| 2024-08-17 | 3 |
| 2024-08-18 | 1 |
| 2024-08-19 | 2 |
| 2024-08-20 | 0 |
| 2024-08-21 | 1 |
| 2024-08-22 | 3 |
| 2024-08-23 | 1 |
| 2024-08-24 | 0 |
| 2024-08-25 | 0 |
| 2024-08-26 | 1 |
| 2024-08-27 | 2 |
| 2024-08-28 | 0 |
| 2024-08-29 | 2 |
| 2024-08-30 | 1 |
| 2024-08-31 | 1 |
| 2024-09-01 | 1 |
| 2024-09-02 | 1 |
| 2024-09-03 | 1 |
| 2024-09-04 | 1 |
| 2024-09-05 | 2 |
| 2024-09-06 | 1 |
| 2024-09-07 | 1 |
| 2024-09-08 | 2 |
| 2024-09-09 | 1 |
| 2024-09-10 | 1 |
| 2024-09-11 | 1 |
| 2024-09-12 | 1 |
| 2024-09-13 | 0 |
| 2024-09-14 | 3 |
| 2024-09-15 | 2 |
| 2024-09-16 | 0 |
| 2024-09-17 | 0 |
| 2024-09-18 | 1 |
| 2024-09-19 | 3 |
| 2024-09-20 | 3 |
| 2024-09-21 | 2 |
| 2024-09-22 | 1 |
| 2024-09-23 | 0 |
| 2024-09-24 | 2 |
| 2024-09-25 | 2 |
| 2024-09-26 | 0 |
| 2024-09-27 | 1 |
| 2024-09-28 | 3 |
| 2024-09-29 | 0 |
| 2024-09-30 | 0 |
| 2024-10-01 | 1 |
| 2024-10-02 | 0 |
| 2024-10-03 | 2 |
| 2024-10-04 | 2 |
| 2024-10-05 | 2 |
| 2024-10-06 | 0 |
| 2024-10-07 | 2 |
This is a measured change in public data during the event window, compared with a baseline before it. It shows timing, not cause. We describe an event as causing a change only when an official source says so.
Container ship port calls, Prince Rupert
Not yet computed. The effect engine (wfm-effect-1.2) will compare 2024-08-22 to 2024-08-26 with a 56 day baseline ending 8 days before the start, once the series for this window is loaded.
Source: IMF PortWatch (portwatch.imf.org), International Monetary Fund, using UN Global Platform AIS data. Statistics derived by World Freight Monitor. Terms. Retrieved 2026-10-21 (21 October 2026).
| Date | calls per day |
|---|---|
| 2024-06-13 | 1 |
| 2024-06-14 | 1 |
| 2024-06-15 | 0 |
| 2024-06-16 | 0 |
| 2024-06-17 | 0 |
| 2024-06-18 | 0 |
| 2024-06-19 | 1 |
| 2024-06-20 | 0 |
| 2024-06-21 | 1 |
| 2024-06-22 | 1 |
| 2024-06-23 | 0 |
| 2024-06-24 | 2 |
| 2024-06-25 | 0 |
| 2024-06-26 | 1 |
| 2024-06-27 | 0 |
| 2024-06-28 | 0 |
| 2024-06-29 | 1 |
| 2024-06-30 | 0 |
| 2024-07-01 | 1 |
| 2024-07-02 | 1 |
| 2024-07-03 | 0 |
| 2024-07-04 | 0 |
| 2024-07-05 | 0 |
| 2024-07-06 | 1 |
| 2024-07-07 | 0 |
| 2024-07-08 | 0 |
| 2024-07-09 | 1 |
| 2024-07-10 | 0 |
| 2024-07-11 | 1 |
| 2024-07-12 | 1 |
| 2024-07-13 | 0 |
| 2024-07-14 | 1 |
| 2024-07-15 | 1 |
| 2024-07-16 | 0 |
| 2024-07-17 | 0 |
| 2024-07-18 | 0 |
| 2024-07-19 | 0 |
| 2024-07-20 | 2 |
| 2024-07-21 | 0 |
| 2024-07-22 | 0 |
| 2024-07-23 | 0 |
| 2024-07-24 | 0 |
| 2024-07-25 | 1 |
| 2024-07-26 | 1 |
| 2024-07-27 | 1 |
| 2024-07-28 | 0 |
| 2024-07-29 | 0 |
| 2024-07-30 | 1 |
| 2024-07-31 | 1 |
| 2024-08-01 | 0 |
| 2024-08-02 | 0 |
| 2024-08-03 | 1 |
| 2024-08-04 | 0 |
| 2024-08-05 | 1 |
| 2024-08-06 | 1 |
| 2024-08-07 | 1 |
| 2024-08-08 | 0 |
| 2024-08-09 | 1 |
| 2024-08-10 | 1 |
| 2024-08-11 | 1 |
| 2024-08-12 | 0 |
| 2024-08-13 | 0 |
| 2024-08-14 | 0 |
| 2024-08-15 | 0 |
| 2024-08-16 | 0 |
| 2024-08-17 | 1 |
| 2024-08-18 | 0 |
| 2024-08-19 | 1 |
| 2024-08-20 | 0 |
| 2024-08-21 | 0 |
| 2024-08-22 | 2 |
| 2024-08-23 | 0 |
| 2024-08-24 | 0 |
| 2024-08-25 | 0 |
| 2024-08-26 | 1 |
| 2024-08-27 | 1 |
| 2024-08-28 | 0 |
| 2024-08-29 | 0 |
| 2024-08-30 | 0 |
| 2024-08-31 | 0 |
| 2024-09-01 | 0 |
| 2024-09-02 | 0 |
| 2024-09-03 | 1 |
| 2024-09-04 | 1 |
| 2024-09-05 | 0 |
| 2024-09-06 | 1 |
| 2024-09-07 | 0 |
| 2024-09-08 | 0 |
| 2024-09-09 | 0 |
| 2024-09-10 | 1 |
| 2024-09-11 | 0 |
| 2024-09-12 | 0 |
| 2024-09-13 | 0 |
| 2024-09-14 | 1 |
| 2024-09-15 | 2 |
| 2024-09-16 | 0 |
| 2024-09-17 | 0 |
| 2024-09-18 | 0 |
| 2024-09-19 | 0 |
| 2024-09-20 | 1 |
| 2024-09-21 | 1 |
| 2024-09-22 | 0 |
| 2024-09-23 | 0 |
| 2024-09-24 | 2 |
| 2024-09-25 | 0 |
| 2024-09-26 | 0 |
| 2024-09-27 | 1 |
| 2024-09-28 | 1 |
| 2024-09-29 | 0 |
| 2024-09-30 | 0 |
| 2024-10-01 | 1 |
| 2024-10-02 | 0 |
| 2024-10-03 | 0 |
| 2024-10-04 | 0 |
| 2024-10-05 | 0 |
| 2024-10-06 | 0 |
| 2024-10-07 | 0 |
This is a measured change in public data during the event window, compared with a baseline before it. It shows timing, not cause. We describe an event as causing a change only when an official source says so.
Replay
Source: IMF PortWatch (portwatch.imf.org), International Monetary Fund, using UN Global Platform AIS data. Statistics derived by World Freight Monitor. Terms. Retrieved 2026-10-21 (21 October 2026).
| Date | calls per day |
|---|---|
| 2024-06-23 | 6 |
| 2024-06-24 | 7 |
| 2024-06-25 | 7 |
| 2024-06-26 | 5 |
| 2024-06-27 | 3 |
| 2024-06-28 | 4 |
| 2024-06-29 | 8 |
| 2024-06-30 | 9 |
| 2024-07-01 | 3 |
| 2024-07-02 | 6 |
| 2024-07-03 | 8 |
| 2024-07-04 | 3 |
| 2024-07-05 | 4 |
| 2024-07-06 | 4 |
| 2024-07-07 | 7 |
| 2024-07-08 | 9 |
| 2024-07-09 | 4 |
| 2024-07-10 | 7 |
| 2024-07-11 | 8 |
| 2024-07-12 | 2 |
| 2024-07-13 | 2 |
| 2024-07-14 | 8 |
| 2024-07-15 | 4 |
| 2024-07-16 | 7 |
| 2024-07-17 | 8 |
| 2024-07-18 | 7 |
| 2024-07-19 | 4 |
| 2024-07-20 | 6 |
| 2024-07-21 | 3 |
| 2024-07-22 | 7 |
| 2024-07-23 | 4 |
| 2024-07-24 | 6 |
| 2024-07-25 | 3 |
| 2024-07-26 | 8 |
| 2024-07-27 | 7 |
| 2024-07-28 | 7 |
| 2024-07-29 | 6 |
| 2024-07-30 | 6 |
| 2024-07-31 | 4 |
| 2024-08-01 | 4 |
| 2024-08-02 | 4 |
| 2024-08-03 | 8 |
| 2024-08-04 | 4 |
| 2024-08-05 | 4 |
| 2024-08-06 | 11 |
| 2024-08-07 | 7 |
| 2024-08-08 | 5 |
| 2024-08-09 | 8 |
| 2024-08-10 | 3 |
| 2024-08-11 | 4 |
| 2024-08-12 | 6 |
| 2024-08-13 | 8 |
| 2024-08-14 | 8 |
| 2024-08-15 | 5 |
| 2024-08-16 | 4 |
| 2024-08-17 | 5 |
| 2024-08-18 | 4 |
| 2024-08-19 | 6 |
| 2024-08-20 | 5 |
| 2024-08-21 | 4 |
| 2024-08-22 | 4 |
| 2024-08-23 | 5 |
| 2024-08-24 | 4 |
| 2024-08-25 | 5 |
| 2024-08-26 | 4 |
| 2024-08-27 | 5 |
| 2024-08-28 | 5 |
| 2024-08-29 | 5 |
| 2024-08-30 | 11 |
| 2024-08-31 | 6 |
| 2024-09-01 | 7 |
| 2024-09-02 | 4 |
| 2024-09-03 | 3 |
| 2024-09-04 | 8 |
| 2024-09-05 | 4 |
| 2024-09-06 | 10 |
| 2024-09-07 | 5 |
| 2024-09-08 | 4 |
| 2024-09-09 | 9 |
| 2024-09-10 | 7 |
| 2024-09-11 | 3 |
| 2024-09-12 | 5 |
| 2024-09-13 | 7 |
| 2024-09-14 | 5 |
| 2024-09-15 | 5 |
| 2024-09-16 | 8 |
| 2024-09-17 | 7 |
| 2024-09-18 | 7 |
| 2024-09-19 | 8 |
| 2024-09-20 | 8 |
| 2024-09-21 | 8 |
This is a measured change in public data during the event window, compared with a baseline before it. It shows timing, not cause. We describe an event as causing a change only when an official source says so.
Timeline
- CN notifies the union that it will lock out its members at 00:01 Eastern on 2024-08-22 unless an agreement or binding arbitration comes first, and says it is shutting its network down in phases, with more embargoes due on 2024-08-19. [s1]
- The Port of Vancouver warns shippers to expect rail disruption from 2024-08-22, after both railways issued lockout notices and the union issued a strike notice to CPKC. The port authority changes how it assigns anchorages and asks ship operators to slow down so they arrive close to their berth time. [s2]
- Both railways lock out their union-represented staff and the first simultaneous stoppage at the two railways begins. The labour minister directs the labour board to impose binding arbitration and resume operations, and CN ends its lockout at 18:00 Eastern. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority says most terminals will feel the effect. [s3] [s4] [s9]
- The labour board orders binding arbitration, bars any further strike or lockout during the process and extends the current agreements. The union says it will comply and appeal in federal court, and CPKC announces that it will restart on 2024-08-26. [s5] [s6] [s7]
- Most union members at both railways return to work. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority says rail service is resuming at the port and that its focus is a recovery plan, including prioritised anchorage use. [s8]
Cause
CN and CPKC locked out Teamsters Canada Rail Conference members when no new agreement or binding arbitration was in place at the deadlines in their notices. CN said the union had refused its offers; the union said it was protecting rail safety and working conditions, including against forced relocation of workers. Attributed by: CN, CPKC and Teamsters Canada Rail Conference. [s1] [s4] [s6]
Resolution
Corrections
No corrections to this record as of 2026-10-29 (29 October 2026).
Sources
- [s1] CN, CN Issues Lockout Notice to Teamsters, published 2024-08-18 (18 August 2024), accessed 2026-10-28. Archived copy. (official)
- [s2] Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Port of Vancouver Operations Update, published 2024-08-19 (19 August 2024), accessed 2026-10-28. Archived copy. (official)
- [s3] CN, CN Ends Lock Out and Initiates Recovery Plan, published 2024-08-22 (22 August 2024), accessed 2026-10-28. Archived copy. (official)
- [s4] CBC News, Thousands of B.C. commuters affected by rail stoppage, published 2024-08-22 (22 August 2024), accessed 2026-10-28. Archived copy. (press)
- [s5] CN, CN Receives Order of Binding Arbitration, published 2024-08-24 (24 August 2024), accessed 2026-10-28. Archived copy. (official)
- [s6] Teamsters Canada, Rail Workers Ordered Back to Work, published 2024-08-24 (24 August 2024), accessed 2026-10-28. Archived copy. (official)
- [s7] Canadian Pacific Kansas City, CPKC moves to restart rail operations following CIRB order, published 2024-08-24 (24 August 2024), accessed 2026-10-28. Archived copy. (official)
- [s8] FreightWaves, Canada railroads look to restart as union returns to work, published 2024-08-26 (26 August 2024), accessed 2026-10-28. Archived copy. (press)
- [s9] Employment and Social Development Canada, HUMA Committee briefing binder - Appearance by the Minister of Labour and Seniors, published 2024-11-19 (19 November 2024), accessed 2026-10-28. Archived copy. (official)
Cite this record
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Plain text
World Freight Monitor. "CN and CPKC lock out rail workers and stop Canadian freight rail." Last updated 2026-10-29 (29 October 2026). https://worldfreightmonitor.com/events/2024/rail-lockout-cn-cpkc-canada-2024/
APA
World Freight Monitor. (2026). CN and CPKC lock out rail workers and stop Canadian freight rail. World Freight Monitor. https://worldfreightmonitor.com/events/2024/rail-lockout-cn-cpkc-canada-2024/
BibTeX
@misc{wfm_rail_lockout_cn_cpkc_canada_2024,
author = {{World Freight Monitor}},
title = {CN and CPKC lock out rail workers and stop Canadian freight rail},
year = {2026},
note = {Last updated 2026-10-29},
url = {https://worldfreightmonitor.com/events/2024/rail-lockout-cn-cpkc-canada-2024/}
}