A Canada Border Services Agency officer speaks to a motorist entering Canada at the Douglas-Peace Arch border crossing, in Surrey, B.C., on Monday, August 9, 2021. The union representing thousands of Canadian border workers says they will begin job action Friday afternoon if no deal is reached by then. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
OTTAWA - The union representing thousands of Canadian border workers has announced that they will begin job action on Friday afternoon if an agreement isn't reached by then. The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) remains hopeful of avoiding a strike and subsequent border disruptions but has set a firm deadline of 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday.
This potential strike involves over 9,000 union members who work for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). These workers have been without a contract for more than two years, and the union is pushing for key changes to address their concerns. Mediation between the union and the agency began on Monday, with both sides seeking a resolution to avert the strike.
Among the central issues for the union are pay parity with other law enforcement agencies, flexible telework and remote work options, enhanced pension benefits, and stronger workplace protections. The union argues that CBSA employees should receive similar compensation to their counterparts in other law enforcement roles, given the demanding nature of their work. They also emphasize the importance of modernizing work arrangements to include telework and remote work options, which have become increasingly relevant in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to compensation and work flexibility, the union is advocating for better pension benefits. They argue that CBSA employees deserve a secure and adequate pension plan that reflects their years of service and contributions. Stronger workplace protections are also a priority, with the union seeking measures to ensure a safe and respectful work environment for all employees.
The union has pointed to a job action three years ago by border agency personnel, which nearly brought commercial cross-border traffic to a standstill, causing major delays at airports and borders across the country. This previous action highlighted the critical role that CBSA workers play in maintaining the flow of goods and people across the border, and the significant impact that a strike could have on the country’s economy and daily operations.
PSAC’s national president has emphasized that the union’s goal is to reach a fair agreement that addresses these key issues and avoids the need for disruptive job action. They have urged the government and CBSA to come to the table with serious proposals that recognize the important work of border services employees.
In response, the CBSA has stated that it is committed to negotiating in good faith and finding a resolution that meets the needs of both employees and the agency. The agency has highlighted the essential nature of the services provided by its employees and expressed hope that an agreement can be reached without resorting to a strike.
As the Friday deadline approaches, both sides are under increasing pressure to find common ground. The potential for significant disruptions at the border underscores the urgency of these negotiations. With over 9,000 workers involved, the outcome of these talks will have far-reaching implications for border operations and the many Canadians and businesses that rely on them.
The next few days will be crucial in determining whether a strike can be averted and a fair agreement reached. Both the union and CBSA are continuing their efforts in mediation, seeking a resolution that addresses the concerns of the employees while maintaining the essential services provided at the border.
