There are growing calls for the federal government to intervene in a potential rail stoppage at CN and CPKC.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Chamber of Commerce have issued a joint statement.

“A stoppage of rail service will be devastating to Canadian businesses and families and impose significant impacts on the U.S. economy,” it said.

“Significant two-way trade and deeply integrated supply chains between Canada and the United States mean that any significant rail disruption will jeopardize the livelihoods of workers across multiple industries on both sides of the border.”

The chambers said the government can refer the dispute to the Canada Industrial Relations Board “for binding arbitration and prohibit a strike, lockout or end any ongoing stoppage pending a resolution.”

Additionally, the government could also reconvene Parliament to introduce back-to-work legislation.

“This is not about siding with either party; it is about standing up for Canadians. The federal government must show leadership and act before our trains – and with them, our economy – grind to a halt,” said the statement.

“Otherwise, the steep price of inaction will be paid by Canadian families, workers, and businesses.”

CN and CPKC have said they will lock out around 9,000 engineers, conductors and yard workers early Thursday if a deal is not reached.