The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday, April 25, edition that Canadian Pacific Kansas City is preparing for a possible strike next month by about 3,300 workers. A Canadian Press dispatch to The Globe reports that on Wednesday chief executive officer Keith Creel said: "The way I see it, the positions have not changed a lot. Obviously hope for the best, but you have to make sure you plan for the worst as well." The potential work stoppage helps account for what Mr. Creel called a "responsibly conservative" forecast that predicts only a slight uptick in cargo volumes this year. Mr. Creel said, "If the strike isn't as long as what we might think it would be -- or if we don't have a strike at all -- then sure, we've got some upside." With 6,000 workers at rival Canadian National Railway in talks too, there is a chance of two work stoppages at rail companies this spring, which could grind all freight rail traffic in Canada to a halt. In February, CPKC and CN asked the federal Labour Minister to appoint a conciliator for the bargaining process over a new collective agreement for train conductors, engineers and yard workers. With the clock now ticking, a strike or lockout could occur as soon as May 22.