CN Rail Cuts 400 Management Jobs Amid Tariff Pressures

What’s Happening at CN Rail?

Canadian National Railway (CN Rail) has confirmed it is laying off approximately 400 managers across Canada and the US, citing declining freight traffic caused by tariffs on steel, aluminum, auto, and lumber imports.

According to The Canadian Press, the job cuts affect more than 6% of the company’s non-unionized workforce. CN Spokesperson Ashley Michnowski said the Montreal-based railway is “adjusting its unionized and management head count to reflect the business environment.”

The layoffs reportedly begain around October 8, 2025, and are part of a broader restructuring effort following a drop in shipping volume this year. The announcement comes shortly after Chief Field Operating Officer Derek Taylor left the company less than two years into the role.

Rival railway Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) recently reported profits despite similar tariff-related challenges — underscoring the difficult environment facing CN Rail as it prepares to release its third-quarter earnings on Friday.

According to affected staff, approximately 400 managerial positions are being eliminated. Many individuals were notified around Oct. 8, 2025, with additional terminations expected in the coming weeks.

• SEE ALSO: Layoffs in Canada: Which Employers are Slashing Staff?

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has been contacted by multiple non-unionized CN Rail employees who have been let go as part of this restructuring. Our employment lawyers are currently reviewing the severance packages offered to affected staff to ensure they are fair.

📺 WATCH: Everything You Need to Know About Mass Terminations

Lost Your Job? Get Help Now

📞 Contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP: 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

Our experienced employment lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia (BC) have helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals resolve their workplace issues, including wrongful dismissals.

If you’ve lost your job at CN Rail for any reason, don’t panic. We can review your situation, assess your legal options, and help you secure the compensation you’re legally entitled to.

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.