Right now it's only a threat.

In just two weeks, it could be a real life nightmare that affects hundreds of thousands of commuters.

If CN conductors go out on strike February 9th, GO Transit confirms nearly every one of its lines will be idled for the duration.

About 100 conductors work for the service, switching trains, operating doors and helping out in passenger emergencies. If negotiations don't resolve the outstanding issues, GO confirmed Wednesday night it will be forced to shut down all service on its Lake Shore East and West, Georgetown, Bradford, Stouffville and Richmond Hill lines.

It had hoped to arrive at a compromise solution to keep service on track, but that now no longer seems possible.

Only the Milton run will be up and running in the event of a walkout, because it's not a CN line. And officials warn GO buses likely won't be able to take up much of the slack.

Their advice? Make plans now, just in case the worst happens.

The union insists it's trying to reach a deal, but has mailed out ballots to its members authorizing job action. If they agree and a strike is called, there are fears the walkout could be a long one.

The issue isn't money but something far more difficult to legislate - the way the workers are treated. Employees claim they're frequently the targets of intimidation and harassment by management. But they maintain they don't want to inconvenience passengers if they don't have to.

"We're going to try to do everything in our power to keep GO working," advises Rex Beatty of the United Transportation Union. "Our problem is with Canadian National. It's certainly not with the citizens of the Greater Toronto Area."

But it's those people who will be the most affected.

"I rely on the GO," complains one passenger, speaking for thousands of others. "My husband relies on the GO and a strike would just be the worst possible thing."

Relations between the union and their bosses have been going progressively downhill for some time. Last December, GO cut more than 39 engineers from its staff, which some blame on its litany of recent delays and cancellations. For more on that, click here.

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