Canadian National Railway Layoffs: Your Rights and Severance Pay Explained

Canadian National Railway (CN Rail) is one of Canada’s largest and oldest railway companies.

Headquartered in Montréal, Québec, it provides a wide range of transportation services across North America, including the transportation of bulk commodities (such as grain, coal, and minerals), intermodal shipping (combining rail and truck transport), automotive transportation, and the movement of goods for industries like forestry, manufacturing, and energy.

The company has approximately 22,000 employees working in a wide range of roles, including train conductors and engineers, maintenance and repair technicians, operations and dispatch staff, sales and marketing professionals, supply chain and logistics specialists, IT and administrative roles, and management and leadership positions.

CN Rail Layoff Updates

Oct. 2025: CN Rail is reportedly cutting 400 managerial jobs in an October restructuring.
Feb. 2020: CN Rail is placing 450 of its employees on a temporary layoff in response to the opposition to the British Columbia LNG pipeline project.
Nov. 2019: CN Rail announced that it will cut 1,600 management and union jobs in response to an economic slowdown.

In Canada, non-unionized employees at the railway are entitled to significant compensation (up to 24 months’ pay) when fired or let go. This includes salary, bonuses, commissions, and benefits.

📲 Use our Severance Pay Calculator to get a free estimate in seconds.

A wrongful dismissal occurs if CN Rail terminates you without cause — or incorrectly “for cause” — and doesn’t provide the correct amount of severance pay.

📰 Layoffs in Canada – Live Tracker

Laid off at CN Rail? 5 Key Steps

Don’t sign anything on the spot: Carefully review all documents, including your severance offer. Deadlines from employers aren’t legally binding.
Keep relevant documentation: Save any termination letters, severance offers, and employer communications.
Use the Severance Pay Calculator: This tool will help you determine whether you’re being offered the correct amount of compensation.
Contact an employment lawyer: The experienced team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP will ensure you receive the severance pay you’re legally entitled to — not a dollar less.
Start searching for comparable employment: This helps mitigate income loss and shows good faith in your claim.

📺 WATCH: Layoff Rights Explained

FAQs About Severance & Termination

👉 Can My Employment Contract Limit My Severance?

Yes — but many contracts include unenforceable clauses. Always get it reviewed by Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

👉 Are Temporary Layoffs Allowed?

Usually not. A temporary layoff may qualify as constructive dismissal if not contractually permitted.

👉 Do Contractors Qualify For Severance?

Yes, if your role resembled that of a full-time employee. Employees are often misclassified as independent contractors.

👉 How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

Up to 2 years from your termination date.

Proven Results from Samfiru Tumarkin LLP

More than 99% of employment law matters are settled in the first few weeks or during mediation. However, when court is necessary, we have the expertise to deliver results — often with legal fees covered by the employer.

BMO Faces the Music

In Maticevic v. Bank of Montreal, a dedicated long-term employee found justice after being wrongfully dismissed. With Stephen LeMesurier, a lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP leading the charge, they secured a game-changing severance package.

Significant Severance Secured for Short-Service Exec

In Perretta v. Rand A Technology Corporation, a sales professional refused to settle for less when her employer tried to tie severance to an unfair release. With Samfiru Tumarkin LLP on her side, she walked away with 6 months of severance — a bold win.

Short Stint, Huge Statement

In Marques v. Delmar International, a high-level executive was shown the door after just 8 months — but didn’t leave empty-handed. Thanks to Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, they secured 4 months of severance, showing even short-term employees deserve big wins.

Lost Your Job? Get Help Now

If you’ve been fired or let go from CN Rail for any reason, don’t sign anything until you speak with the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Your employer might be asking you to accept a severance package that doesn’t take into consideration all of your entitlements.

🛡️ We Know Severance
Our employment lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia (BC) have helped many non-unionized employees understand their rights, challenge unfair severance packages, and get what the law truly says they’re owed.

👥 Over 50,000 clients helped across Canada
💰 Millions recovered in severance and compensation
⚖️ No win, no fee — you don’t pay unless we win*
⭐ 3,000 5-star Google reviews across Canada (4.7 average)
🏆 Recognized as one of Canada’s Best Law Firms by The Globe and Mail

* Conditions apply. Not all cases qualify.

📞 Call us at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

⚠️ Unionized?
Contact your union immediately. By law, employment lawyers can’t represent unionized employees.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.

Canadian National Railway Layoffs: Your Rights and Severance Pay Explained

CN Rail Layoff Updates