In what's been a productive year for Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, the company now hopes its production isn't hindered by a looming railway strike.
The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference union is in current contract negotiations with the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. and Canadian National Railway Co. that could result in a potential work stoppage.
Both CPKC and CN Rail have notified the union it would be locking out members starting at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday.
The union issued 72-hour strike notice to CPKC late on Sunday.
If a strike occurs, it could have major implications for Cambridge's largest private sector employer.
Philippe Crowe, head of corporate communications for Toyota Canada Inc., said the company has been preparing for the situation but admits it's reliant on rail service for smooth operation.
"Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) has been anticipating the possibility of a rail service disruption and has been taking proactive countermeasures to mitigate any short-term interruptions of service," Crowe said in an emailed statement to CambridgeToday.
"We are a Just-In-Time manufacturer and rely on a steady and predictable flow of parts in order to sustain our operations. Hopefully, both parties can resolve their disagreements sooner rather than later."
Just yesterday, TMMC made a stop at its Cambridge Fountain Street location to celebrate its 60th anniversary and show off its 11-millionth vehicle.
With two facilities in Cambridge and one in Woodstock, the company employs over 8,500 workers.
The work stoppage would impact 9,300 engineers, conductors and yard workers at the two railways.
Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon released a statement on Monday, urging the three parties to "do the hard work necessary to reach agreements at the bargaining table and prevent a full work stoppage."
"These collective bargaining negotiations belong to CN Rail, CPKC and TCRC workers alone - but their efforts will be borne by all Canadians," MacKinnon said in his statement.
