Canadian Pacific rail workers go on strike: Correction

Corrects to say one rail union went on strike and one agreed to a new contract

Canadian Pacific (CP) rail workers went on strike tonight after failing to agree to reach a new contract agreement with management, stopping shipments of crude, coal, fertilizer and chemicals across the nation. Some employees did agree to new terms.

Members of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference-Train & Engine went on strike at 10pm ET. But the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers agreed to a tentative new contract.

The two unions had warned the railroad three days ago they would strike beginning at 10pm ET unless they came to an agreement on new contract terms.

CP and the unions have been negotiating since 25 May when employees rejected previous contract proposals.

The railroad had already begun to "wind down" operations, embargoing freight movements originating on the railroad's Canadian lines and US-origin cargoes headed to Canada. US-only shipments will continue because the unions threatening to strike only represent Canadian workers.

US freight railroads began warning customers of the embargo, advising that they would not be able to ship to Canada.

The US Surface Transportation Board advised shippers experiencing difficulties to contact its Rail Customer and Public Assistance office for assistance at +1 202 245 0238 or rcpa@stb.gov.