Canadian National railroad strike: CPKC trains to roll again as government forces arbitration of labor dispute [Video]

TORONTO — The Canadian government ordered the country’s two major freight railroads to enter binding arbitration Thursday to resolve a labor dispute that forced trains to a halt across the country, threatening dire economic consequences for business and consumers throughout Canada and the U.S.

A government official familiar with the situation told The Associated Press about the order on Thursday shortly before the country’s labor minister was due to hold a news conference. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly ahead of the announcement.

Canadian National and CPKC railroads both locked out their employees after a 12:01 a.m. EDT deadline to resolve a dispute with Teamsters Canada Rail Conference passed.

Talks resumed later in the day – as workers picketed outside and business groups urged the government to force the union into binding arbitration.

All of Canada’s freight handled by rail – worth more …