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The Canadian railway system has been struck with two major work stoppages amid failed labor negotiations Aug. 22.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is urging Canada’s two largest railways and unionized workers to reach a deal to avert a strike that businesses warn will cause significant harm to the economy.

Canadian businesses are warning about potential long-term damage to the economy if railway and port strikes go ahead and choke the country’s vital trading arteries.

Canadian National Railway Co. issued a formal notice Aug. 18 that union-affiliated workers will be locked out in the coming days if a labor agreement is not reached.

Canadian National Railway amped up pressure on the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference to resolve an ongoing labor dispute with potentially wide-ranging impacts across North American supply chains.

Railway operator Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. said a weakening economy and spate of labor disruptions weighed on freight volumes in the third quarter more than management anticipated.

CSX and CPKC railroads announced a deal June 28 that will allow them to beef up a little-used connection between their two networks in the southeastern United States to handle more freight.