The possible strike by CP Rail employees is having an impact on the potash industry.

The rail backlog that farmers have been trying to get some help with... is now expanding to the Potash industry. The possibility of a strike is complicating matters further.

Nutrien is blaming the lack of rail cars as one of the reasons for laying off 1300 people.  The potash giant says the temporary layoffs could last days... or even weeks.

The company is also blaming a potential strike by CP Rail employees for adding uncertainty to their ability to get product to market. The layoffs impact staff at the Vanscoy and Allen potash mines.