The Saskatchewan government has sent a letter to the federal employment and transport ministers urging them to take immediate action to end the dispute involving CN Rail.
Workers across the country including 3,200 in Regina, Saskatoon and Melville walked off the job as of midnight to protest the lack of a new contract—one they have not had since July.
The letter, signed by Agriculture Minister David Marit. Highways Minister Greg Ottenbreit and Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre says with many farmers already in distress from a tough harvest, they can not fall further behind in deliveries because of a potential labour disruption.
As workers at CN Rail go on strike, our govt is greatly concerned about the impact a work stoppage will have on producers that are already facing a tough harvest.
There needs to be an agreement reached immediately to ensure there is no delay in getting our commodities to market. pic.twitter.com/k2MmRxe9DA
— Scott Moe (@PremierScottMoe) November 19, 2019
The letter adds the competitors Saskatchewan faces in offshore markets will not hesitate to take advantage of this situation which will result in lost contracts, lost revenues and reduced tax revenues to both the federal and provincial government.
