In the wake of the announcement of the tentative agreement between CN and its workers, the reactions from companies dependent on CN Rail Transportation to run their operations keep coming.

The Western Canadian Wheat Growers (WCWG) are pleased that CN Rail and the Teamsters have come to a tentative agreement and that the grain can now move to market.

“Our global markets depend on the timely shipping of our products. It is imperative that we are able to meet our contractual obligations,” said Gunter Jochum, President of the WCWG.

The concern from the majority of the agricultural organizations remains that of lost time.

"The loss of two weeks of shipping time cannot be made up and it will take time to fill the backlog of cargo ships that are waiting in Vancouver. CN Rail needs to use all available rolling stock and personnel to maximize the movement of grain. Farmers do not receive payment for their crop until the shipment is complete. Bills need to be paid and it has already been a long harvest," sated the WCWG in a press release.

Although pleased with the tentative agreement, Cherilyn Jolly-Nagel, the Saskatchewan Director of WCWG, still has the negative effect on farmers at the forefront of her concerns. She hopes to see changes in the future. 

“While we’re grateful that the parties have come to an agreement, the Federal Government needs to take steps to ensure that grain farmers are not held ransom in the future. Rail service should be deemed an essential service," stated Jolly-Nagel.

The agreement between CN and its workers was announced on Tuesday, November 26th.