Even though work came to a halt at CP-Rail early yesterday morning —- the Federal Labour Minister says he isn’t ready to talk about “back to work” legislation just yet.

Seamus O’Regan says that’s because while there IS a work stoppage, the two sides are still talking.

However business groups, ranchers and farmers say the stoppage will be devastating to the economy—and especially livestock producers relying on feed shipments for their cattle and hogs..

Janice Tranberg is President of the Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association.

“It does sound like we have 10 days to maybe two weeks of feed available.  We were really hoping that the strike wouldn’t happen but we’re holding our for a very quick resolution”.

Cattle feeders and livestock producers are hoping for a quick resolution to the work stoppage at CP Rail.

Work came to a halt yesterday (Sunday) morning—but discussions are continuing.

Janice Tranberg says, “One of the reasons why we are in Ottawa today is we want to continue to have our discussions with  the federal government to see what we can do to push any action that really railways are an essential service. There really isn’t any alternative available for us.”

It’s a massive concern for those in the livestock industry because last year’s drought has forced them to rely on corn shipments from the U-S to feed their animals. Most feeders only have a 7 to 10 day supply of corn.

(CJWW)