A joint statement has been issued by business groups in Canada pleading with the federal government to act and avoid a Canada-wide rail stoppage.

A full shutdown of Canada’s rail network could happen Thursday and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Business Council of Canada, Canadian Federation of Independent Business and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters are calling on the federal government to take immediate action to ensure the continuation of rail services.

They say under section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, the Minister of Labour can refer the dispute to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) for binding arbitration and prohibit a strike, lockout or end any ongoing stoppage pending a resolution. Alternatively, the government can also reconvene Parliament and introduce back-to-work legislation.

The business leaders say the Government of Canada must show leadership and act “before our trains – and with them, our economy – grind to a halt.”