Canada's CPKC warns it will lock out workers without rail labor deal by Aug 22

OTTAWA (Reuters) -Canadian Pacific Kansas City, one of Canada's two main rail companies, on Friday said it would lock out employees on Aug 22 if the two sides were unable to negotiate a labor contract.

A strike or lockout could cause significant economic damage in Canada, which relies heavily on its extensive railway network, given its expansive geography and exports such as grain, potash and coal.

CPKC, rival Canadian National Railway and the Teamsters union last week agreed to restart stalled contract talks with the aid of a federal mediator.

Earlier in the day the country's labor relations board ruled that a strike could not start until Aug 22.

"CPKC is acting to protect Canada's supply chains, and all those who depend on them, from the more widespread disruption that would be created should a work stoppage occur during the fall peak shipping period," it said in a statement.

"CPKC provides this public notice to mitigate uncertainty and give our customers and supply chains proper time to plan for a safe and orderly shutdown of railway operations."

The Teamsters, unhappy about rail company proposals they say could jeopardize safety, announced they would give 72 hours advance notice in the event of any strike action.

In response, Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said in a social media post that "it is the responsibility of unions and employers to negotiate deals at the bargaining table" and called on both sides to keep talking.

(Reporting by David LjunggrenEditing by Chris Reese, Frances Kerry and David Gregorio)