Possible CBSA Strike - Update
More than 9,000 Public Service Alliance of Canada members who work for the CBSA, including border guards, have secured a strike mandate.
Key issues at the bargaining table include:
Wage parity: Workers are asking for fair wages that are aligned with other law enforcement agencies across the country – for both uniformed and non-uniformed members alike.
Stronger job security
Access to telework for non-uniformed employees.
Protections from contracting out: e.g., the use of automated systems and student workers.
Hiring: job vacancies to be filled with permanent employees, not contract replacements.
When would CBSA workers go on strike?
The two sides have been in mediation since June 3, and the union will be in a legal strike position today.
The union announced that should their demands at the bargaining table not be met by 4pm on Friday June 7, they will begin strike action.
This could impact importers by causing significant delays at border crossings, as union members employing work-to-rule tactics may strictly adhere to their contracts, potentially adding extra time per crossing, which would have an impact due to the high volume of travelers and goods entering Canada.
Omnitrans is actively monitoring this situation and will continue to communicate updates as new information emerges.