Both of Canada’s major freight railroads are at a standstill due to a labor dispute with their workers, causing concerns for businesses if the trains do not resume operation quickly. Canadian National and CPKC railroads have locked out their employees, affecting over 30,000 commuters in major cities. The government has been urged to intervene, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has yet to force both sides into arbitration. The impact on businesses is expected to be significant, as many rely on railroads for delivering raw materials and finished products. In the U.S., rail workers have reached agreements with their unions, setting a precedent for negotiations in the industry. The negotiations in Canada are focused on issues related to worker schedules and concerns about fatigue prevention. If the dispute continues, manufacturing companies may have to reduce production, and ports could become congested with shipments. Trucking may be used as an alternative, but it cannot match the volume of railroads. In the U.S., railroads have made efforts to address worker concerns and improve working conditions.CSX has led the way in implementing paid sick time deals and easing attendance policies. The current national contracts for U.S. rail workers expire at the end of the year, with potential for more agreements in the coming days.