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BRENT JANG - TRANSPORTATION REPORTER; With a file from Gloria Galloway

Ottawa issued a back-to-work notice yesterday for striking Canadian National Railway Co. staff while a soap opera unfolded that could lead to a single union representing the best-paid train employees.

Hours before Ottawa issued its notice, about 340 striking CN employees reported for work as the walkout began crumbling. The strike by 2,800 conductors and yard-service employees enters its 13th day today, with CN management and the United Transportation Union far apart on wages and working conditions.

An estimated 600 CN managers have been filling in for striking employees across Canada, but rail service has been severely disrupted.

Federal Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn said he plans to introduce back-to-work legislation tomorrow, clearing the way for the strike to end some time next week.

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