According to a release from the union, the dispute is over forced changes to terms and conditions for workers, including "inflexible" work schedules.

After months of talks, the increasingly bitter negotiations, regarding working conditions such as shift scheduling and fatigue provisions, ended on the evening of August 21.

The Railway Association of Canada says that more than half of the country's exports are moved by rail, in addition to 70% of its intercity surface freight.

When temperatures reach 82 degrees Fahrenheit, employers in California now have to institute a series of protections to keep workers safe from heat-related illnesses. 

Ahead of looming deadlines, it's unclear whether either situation will resolve in time to avert these twin crises, or how long any potential work stoppages might last.

Ortberg told the presidents of Boeing’s largest workers union and another labor group that he’s seeking “a new contract where we can come together to build a strong future for our employees in the region."

Both companies said their gradual shutdown would ensure hazardous and vulnerable shipments aren’t stranded if a settlement isn’t reached by August 22.

The union representing Samsung Electronics workers has been pushing for a wage increase and a more favorable bonus structure since the start of the summer.

Warehouse workers are essential for any distribution company. And yet it can be difficult to attract and retain talent in today’s scarce labor market.

Both CN and CPKC began to embargo shipments of toxic chemicals such as chlorine and ammonia on August 12.