New Brunswick’s premier says the impact of the CN Rail strike is already starting to be felt here in the province.
Blaine Higgs says the province is experiencing supply chain interruptions on inbound and outbound goods as a result.
In a statement Friday, Higgs said several areas of “critical infrastructure” are particularly impacted, including fuel, manufacturing, retail, and agriculture and aquaculture.
“We have been in close contact with partners and stakeholders in these industries and are working to develop contingency plans wherever possible,” said Higgs.
Premier’s statement on CN railworkers strikehttps://t.co/VawIMBoX00
— Government of NB (@Gov_NB) November 22, 2019
But the premier said he is concerned about the potential impact of a long-term strike on the province’s infrastructure, export capacity and economy.
“Even if the strike is resolved quickly, we will continue to experience its effects in the days and weeks ahead in the form of increased gas and grocery prices, as well as in a significant backlog of goods,” said Higgs.
Higgs urged the federal government to take “real action” to encourage both sides to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible.
Thousands of CN Rail workers walked off the job at midnight Tuesday with concerns about fatigue and worker safety.
