Premier David Eby is encouraging Canada’s two major railways and their workers to sit down and hammer out a resolution to the labour dispute that’s halted rail service across the country.
Eby says he understands why workers are angry as they push for what he describes as “basic safety protections” and wage increases to help with high living costs.
He’s also urging the companies in particular to step up and protect Canadians.
“They have monopolies. They have key corridors that were paid for by all Canadians, and they shouldn’t be allowed to use those to hold Canadians hostage instead of sitting down with their workers, talking about safety, wages, and other vital things,” he said.
Eby says the impacts of a long-term stoppage would be “devastating” for families relying on work at ports in Prince Rupert and Vancouver, as well as businesses that depend on Canada’s two major railways for moving goods.
“All the little businesses that depend on being able to move their goods in and out of those ports and across the country using railway — it’s a massive impact.”
Eby is also calling on the federal government to step in to help clarify the situation for both sides.