Canada rail strike: More shipments halted ahead of potential lockout [Video]

MONTREAL –

The country’s two main freight railways are turning away a growing number of goods ahead of a potential work stoppage next week that could snarl supply chains and disrupt industry.

Canadian National Railway Co. schedules show that, starting Friday, it is barring container imports that originate at some ports, including New York City.

CN and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. are also beginning to halt shipments that need cooler temperatures, such as meat and medicine, to avoid seeing stranded loads go bad should a work stoppage occur.

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The two rail companies have warned that 9,300 engineers, conductors and yard workers will be locked out at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday unless they can reach new collective agreements, while the union has also said it is poised for a strike.

Both sides remain at the bargaining table …