As the strike by Canadian rail workers moves into its second week, there is growing concern among U.S. and Canadian companies that resulting supply chain disruptions will impact their operations.

Thus far, the strike by 2800 conductors and rail yard workers employed by Canadian National Railway has left almost half the cargo coming into the port of Vancouver stranded. While much of that volume goes into Canada itself, a sizable percentage also moves to American manufacturers and distributors.

While thus far the impact has been minimal, an analyst from CMO Capital Markets issued a report yesterday saying that the strike has now "quickly passed the stage of annoyance to the disruptive stage for many businesses."

Canadian Rails significant U.S. operations are not affected by the strike, but the flow of goods and containers into those lines from Canada is. Many imports coming through Canadian ports, and goods and raw materials manufactured in Canada, lack a path into the U.S.

The railroad is using management to try to keep some trains moving, but with limited impact. The Canadian government has interveaned in an attempt to find a compromise solution, but many fear the strike will continue for some time.