Talks between CN Rail and the union representing locomotive engineers derailed as the clock ticked past midnight this morning, putting 1,700 workers in a strike position and the transportation of Canadian goods at risk.

CN said Wednesday it had received 72 hours' notice that its locomotive engineers in Canada planned to strike on Nov. 28.

Wages and a cap on how many kilometres engineers must drive each month are among the issues dividing the two sides.

The engineers have been without a contract since Dec. 31, 2008.

Via Rail said its passenger service will be unaffected should CN workers strike.