04:04 AM EDT, 08/19/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Canadian National Railway ( CNI ) said Sunday it has formally notified the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference of its intention to lock out union-represented employees and continue shutting down operations as of Aug. 22 unless a labor agreement or binding arbitration is reached.

The railway company said "no meaningful progress" took place during weekend negotiations.

"Unless there is an immediate and definite resolution to the labor conflict, [Canadian National Railway ( CNI )] will have no choice but to continue the phased and progressive shutdown of its network which would culminate in a lockout," the company said.

In a separate note to workers, Teamsters Canada acknowledged receipt of the notice and told members to expect "the same requirements as if we were on strike." The union also said it has secured emergency benefits for workers.