Following a decision made by Federal Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan, the Canadian government is taking steps to postpone the potential strike by railway workers employed by Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC). The Teamsters union announced last week that their members had voted overwhelmingly in favour of striking as early as May 22. The railways play a crucial role in Canada’s economy due to the country’s expansive landscape and exports of commodities like grain, potash, and coal. After receiving concerns regarding the impact of a stoppage on healthcare infrastructure, particularly shipments of propane used as backup generators for rural hospitals, O’Regan requested that the Canada Industrial Relations Board investigate whether the strike could pose safety risks. Until the board makes a decision, the strike cannot commence. The Teamsters union has stated that they will adhere to any orders issued by the board. Timelines for the board’s decision are presently uncertain.
Based on the latest information, it seems that the Bank of Canada may consider cutting interest rates at their next meeting on June 5 following a stronger than expected employment report released on May 10. Canada added nearly 90,000 jobs in April, exceeding experts’ predictions, although overall trends suggest a lessening in labour market strength. While compensation is increasing at a slower pace than in recent months, the Bank of Canada appears more focused on controlling inflation, which has been steadily decreasing. Additionally, there have been reports of labour challenges facing Apple in various locations across the United States, including strikes being considered by employees in Maryland and New Jersey and accusations of anti-union behaviour in New York City. Furthermore, drillers in Canada are pushing Trans Mountain, a state-owned pipeline system, to reduce the vapor pressure and acid content of the crude that it allows to flow through the network, as they argue that the current restrictions are limiting the value of the oil and restricting where it can be processed. Trans Mountain did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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