By Canadian Press

B.C.’s West Coast Express commuter train still suspended as work stoppage continues

Aug 23, 2024 | 9:11 AM

Riders of the West Coast Express in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland must continue using alternatives after the first-ever simultaneous work stoppage on Canada’s two major railways halted service on the commuter line.

Ottawa has asked for binding arbitration in the dispute involving the rail workers’ union, Canadian National Railway Co., and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd.

CN has since ended its lockout of workers and trains began moving this morning, even as the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference issued a 72-hour strike notice to the company, pushing back against the federal government’s move.

CPKC has meanwhile said it was preparing to resume operations, but an advisory from transportation provider TransLink says the West Coast Express remains suspended until the rail company, which owns the tracks, gives the green light.

The commuter train between Vancouver and Mission, B.C., has been unable to operate since Wednesday night without locked-out rail traffic controllers.

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The labour dispute has affected more than 30,000 commuters in Toronto, Montreal and B.C., including about 3,000 who use the West Coast Express each weekday.

The work stoppage at both railways prompted Ottawa to ask the Canada Industrial Relations Board on Thursday to use binding arbitration to resolve the impasse.

The tribunal says it is addressing the issue “with utmost urgency.”

A decision is expected later today.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 23, 2024.

The Canadian Press