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Yesterday, Canada's minister of labor arranged a meeting between Canadian National Railway Co. and Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) officials, and a federal mediator to prompt negotiations and try to avert the union's planned strike at midnight Feb. 20.

CAW — which represents about 5,000 of the railroad's shopcraft, clerical and intermodal yard employees — previously rejected tentative agreements reached last month with CN. Previous contracts expired Dec. 31, 2003. The union plans to strike unless the parties reach new agreements.

CN has formed contingency plans to maintain service in Canada if the strike occurs.