More than 9,000 Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) workers could be on strike 06JUN 2024 unless an agreement is reached. Strike votes were held 10APR to 23MAY, in which 96% of the union voted in favour of job action.
According to the Public Service Alliance of Canada-Customs and Immigration Union, negotiations with the Treasury Board and the CBSA are set to start on 03JUN, 2024.
“The clock is ticking,” said Sharon DeSousa, PSAC national president-elect. “At every opportunity, Trudeau’s Liberal government has refused to put the needs of workers first, and time is running out to avoid sweeping job action.”
While the strike would cause some disruption for Canadian travellers and those entering Canada, 90% of front-line border services employees are designated as essential, meaning they must continue providing services during a strike. CBSA workers have been without a contract for two years, and the Treasury Board and the union have been unable to reach an agreement that the CBSA believes protects their workers.
"Key issues in this round of bargaining include fair wages that are aligned with other law enforcement agencies across the country, flexible telework and remote work options, equitable retirement benefits and stronger protections around discipline, technological change and hours of work." says the union.
PSAC-Customs and Immigration Union members at the border service agency include border services officers at airports, land entry points, marine ports and commercial ports of entry, inland enforcement officers, intelligence officers, investigators, trade officers, and non-uniformed headquarters staff.
