Canada’s two major freight railroads may stop Thursday if contract dispute isn’t resolved

TORONTO (AP) — Canada’s two major freight railroads could halt their trains Thursday if they can’t agree to renewed contracts with the union representing their engineers, conductors and dispatchers. Canada’s government is watching closely and may intervene to prevent widespread damage to the economy.

Both Canadian National and CPKC have been gradually shutting down since last week ahead of the contract deadline of 12:01 a.m. Eastern Thursday and all traffic will stop before then if this isn’t resolved.