A rail service disruption could have a significant impact on our region.

CN and CPKC have said they will lock out around 9,000 engineers, conductors and yard workers early Thursday if a deal is not reached

Spokesperson Lori MacLean from the Port of Halifax tells us in a statement that rail is a ‘vital link’ connecting communities and supporting economic activity.

“Rail serves approximately 60% of containerized cargo business at the Port of Halifax.

Cargo imported at Halifax travels largely by rail to other parts of the continent; and cargo exported from Halifax is delivered largely to the Port by rail as well.”

Canadian gateways have already seen less volume in goods due to the uncertainty of a strike.

The Port says the situation is being monitored closely and they encourage all parties to come to a resolution.

Workers could head to the picket lines by 12:01 a.m., Thursday.

-with files from Brad Perry