CN strike drops Port of Vancouver’s cargo volume by 50%

CN strike drops Port of VancouverÆs cargo volume by 50% The Canadian Port of Vancouver said a strike by about 2,800 of Canadian National Railway Co.'s conductors and yard-service employees has resulted in a 50 percent reduction to its cargo volume.
   The dispute between CN and the United Transportation Union of Canada (UTU) comes during severe weather conditions that are putting a massive strain on the rail network and damaging service levels. The British Columbia port estimates that C$730 million ($625 million) worth of cargo has been held up since the start of the strike on Feb. 10.
   'Our customers' lost sales can't be made up, as the transportation network is fully booked for months ahead,' said Capt. Gordon Houston, president and chief executive officer of the Vancouver Port Authority. 'The timing of this dispute, in the midst of significant weather-related disruptions to the transportation chain, preys upon those who depend on the port for their livelihoods and makes the situation worse.   
   'Ensuring the reliability of this gateway is of paramount concern to all port stakeholders. We are encouraged by labor minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn's appointment of a mediator, and his urging that the parties end the dispute within hours, not days.
   'The port supports the government in pursuing whatever course of action is required to bring this dispute to an immediate conclusion,' Houston said.