Canadian Border Workers Vote for Strike, Warn of “Significant Delays”

Crossing the Canada-U.S. border could be a problem for travelers this summer.
 
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) workers have voted 96% in favour of job action, according to a release from the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC).

Released on Friday May 24, the union statement warns that there could be “significant disruptions to the flow of goods, services, and people at Canadian ports of entry as the busy summer season approaches.”

More than 9,000 PSAC members have secured the strike mandate. Work stoppage could occur in June if an agreement is not reached.  

The last time CBSA workers took job action was in 2021, which led to delays and long lines at border crossings.   

“Taking job action is always a last resort, but this strong strike mandate underscores that our members are prepared do what it takes to secure a fair contract,” said Chris Aylward, PSAC national president. “Unless they want a repeat of 2021, Treasury Board and CBSA must be prepared to come to the table with a fair offer that addresses our key issues.”

The CBSA workers involved are PSAC-Customs and Immigration Union (CIU) members, which 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. PSAC-CIU members have been working without a contract for two years.

The Government of Canada released a statement in response to the strike vote: 

“The Government of Canada values the important work of border services employees, and we will do everything possible to reach a responsible and competitive agreement. However, in the event of strike action, Canadians should know that 90% of front-line border services employees are designated as essential, meaning they must continue providing services during a strike.

The best agreements are reached at the bargaining table. Rather than planning for disruption, PSAC should focus on negotiation so we can reach an agreement as quickly as possible that is fair to employees and taxpayers.”