Over 9,000 Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) employees are set to be in a legal strike position as of 4 P.M. today, as negotiations between the union and the federal government continue in a bid to avert a disruptive walkout. The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Customs and Immigration Union (CIU) have been in mediated talks with the government, seeking to resolve key issues including wage parity, job security, and better working conditions.
While the federal government has assured that most frontline border workers are considered essential and would remain on duty, delays at border crossings are anticipated. This potential disruption is a concern for both the public and businesses, especially during the busy summer travel season.
The collective agreement for FB members, which expired in June 2022, has left border services employees without a contract for nearly two years. The bargaining team is pressing for fair wages aligned with other law enforcement agencies, improved job security measures, and enhanced protections against management abuse and contracting out. The union has also emphasized the need for equitable retirement benefits, highlighting the government’s previous commitment to implementing a 25-and-out retirement plan for law enforcement personnel at CBSA.
A strike could have significant repercussions for the public and the economy, affecting the flow of people and goods across Canada’s borders. Businesses reliant on cross-border trade are particularly anxious about potential delays and disruptions.
As negotiations continue, all eyes are on the outcome of these critical negotiations.