![Train with red and black locomotives crosses cruved trestle](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/TRN_CN_Lytton_Mayes.jpg)
MONTREAL — Canadian National has begun refusing certain hazardous materials shipments in preparation for an Aug. 22 work stoppage.
CN said the decision was made in light of a lack of progress in negotiations with Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, which represents the railway’s engineers and conductors in Canada.
“CN has initiated the first step of a phased and progressive shut down of its rail network in Canada,” spokesman Jonathan Abecassis says.
Among the chemicals CN is no longer accepting: Chlorine, used to purify drinking water; bromine, used as a cleaning agent; ammonia, used as fertilizer; chloropicrin, a fungicide used on stored grain; and ethylene, used as anesthetic, a refrigerant, and to make other chemicals.
CN aims to deliver as many hazardous materials shipments as possible between now and Aug. 22, which is the earliest a work stoppage can occur. TCRC has pledged to strike, and CN and CPKC have both said they plan on locking out employees in Canada at 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 22.
CN said that unless there is progress in contract talks, or negotiations head to arbitration, it will have to further restrict certain commodities.