Canadian National Railway (CN) is laying off about 400 managers—over six per cent of its non-unionized workforce—as cross-border tariffs disrupt freight activity. The company says it is adjusting both unionized and management staffing levels in Canada and the U.S. to match a weaker business environment. Recent tariffs imposed by both Washington and Ottawa on steel, aluminum, autos, and lumber have sharply reduced shipping volumes, with year-over-year declines seen throughout the spring and summer.

The layoffs come amid internal upheaval, following the sudden departure of CN’s chief field operating officer, Derek Taylor, less than two years into the role. As Canada’s largest railway prepares to release its third-quarter earnings, the cuts highlight broader pressures on the transportation and manufacturing sectors.

For the Canadian job market, CN’s downsizing signals the growing impact of global trade tensions on domestic employment. Rail traffic is a key indicator of economic activity, and sustained declines suggest slowed industrial output. These layoffs add to mounting concerns that tariff-driven uncertainty and weakening export demand could trigger wider job losses across Canada’s supply chain, from manufacturing to logistics.

Have you been laid off by CN Rail in Canada? Contact our employment lawyers today. Our legal team offers a free consultation and works on a contingency basis—there are no fees unless you win your case.

The Canadian Press’ original article, “CN Rail lays off some 400 managers as tariffs take a bite out of shipping volumes” was published in Global News on October 30, 2025. Read the Full Global News story.

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