Trains could start rolling 'within days,' labour minister says after sending dispute to binding arbitration

Members of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference hold signs during a picket at the CPKC Kinnear Yard at 270 Gage Ave. South in Hamilton, Ont., Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. CN and CPKC workers across the country have been locked out causing a shutdown that cuts off a nationwide transport lifeline.

The dispute that has brought Canada's two biggest railways to a standstill could soon be over. Labour Minister Steve MacKinnon announced Thursday afternoon that he's sent the dispute to binding arbitration.