Ottawa (AFP) - Train operators at Canadian National Railway went on strike on Tuesday after months of contract talks failed, effectively shutting down the largest rail network in Canada.
The union representing more than 3,000 CN workers had given a midnight (0500 GMT) deadline to reach a deal to replace an agreement that expired in July.
"Unfortunately, we were unable to reach a deal with CN," the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference said in a statement.
"The company remains unwilling to address our member's health and safety issues. As a result, members at CN will be on strike... at 00:01 Eastern Time."
The workers had expressed concerns over long hours and fatigue leading to dangerous working conditions. Wages are not in dispute.
The labour dispute follows layoffs of 1,600 staff in North America announced by CN on Friday.
Employment Minister Patty Hajdu has encouraged both sides to continue the negotiations and reach an agreement.
"We are monitoring the situation closely," she said on Saturday after the Teamsters gave a 72-hour strike notice.
