More than 9,000 Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) employees are poised to initiate job action across the country starting June 7 at 4 p.m. ET if an agreement is not reached this week at the bargaining table with CBSA and Treasury Board. Members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Customs and Immigration Union (CIU) are prepared to strike to secure a fair contract for CBSA’s Frontline Border Services (FB) group, who have been without a contract for over two years.
“We are still hopeful that we can reach an agreement to avoid strike action and any potential delays at Canada’s borders,” said Sharon DeSousa, PSAC National President. “But the clock is ticking for Trudeau’s Liberal government to get to work on a fair contract for our members.”
Key issues in negotiations include fair wages aligned with other law enforcement agencies, flexible telework and remote work options, equitable retirement benefits for CBSA law enforcement personnel, and stronger workplace protections.
Job action by CBSA personnel in 2021 nearly brought commercial cross-border traffic to a standstill, causing major delays at airports and borders across the country. A marathon 36-hour bargaining session was required to reach an agreement.
“Our members have overwhelmingly told us they are prepared to fight for fair wages, equitable retirement, and to make CBSA a better place to work,” said Mark Weber, CIU National President. “It’s time for the government to step up for CBSA employees.”
Negotiations are ongoing this week with the assistance of a mediator in a final attempt to achieve a resolution and avert strike action.
Shall the negotiations fail, this may lead to imminent delays to cross country travel on Canada’s borders.