Over 9,000 border employees may go on strike this week if their terms are not met by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
According to their unions, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) , if the CBSA cannot come to the bargaining table and agree to better pay and working conditions, by 4 p.m. ET on Friday, June 7th, a “job action” strike will begin.
“We are still hopeful that we can reach an agreement to avoid strike action and any potential delays at Canada’s borders,” said Sharon DeSousa, PSAC National President.
“But the clock is ticking for Trudeau’s Liberal government to get to work on a fair contract for our members.”
PSAC says that many of their members have now been without a contract for more than two years and want to receive wages that are in line with what other law enforcement agencies across the country make.
In addition to this, they want to have more flexible remote work options, better retirement benefits and stronger workplace protections.
PSAC says that during a similar job action which took place in 2021, commercial cross-border traffic was nearly brought to a standstill. Major delays at airports, ports and all land border crossings were all impacted.
Once the strike was initiated in 2021, a 36-hour negotiation took place to reach an agreement between PSAC, their members and CBSA.
According to PSAC, the two sides are in negotiations this week in a “last-ditch effort” to reach a beneficial agreement.
CBSA’s position
A CBSA spokesperson, Luke Reimer told Victoria Buzz that the border will remain open and safe, despite the looming strike.
“Ninety per cent of all frontline border services officers are essential workers,” Reimer explained. “This means that they will continue to staff ports of entry in the event of a strike.”
Reimer also says that PSAC members who are a part of the group threatening to strike are actually not in a position to initiate a job action.
“They are expected to work their normally scheduled shift, including during any planned demonstrations,” he said.
“At the same time, any labour action that blocks or intentionally slows the free flow of people or goods at our borders would be illegal.”
Impact in Victoria
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) recently released a statement on the matter.
“The [GVHA] is closely monitoring the situation,” said Richard Davies, Communications Strategist with the GVHA.
“We are not expecting any direct impact to our operations.”
He added that their cruise industry partners, tenants and other stakeholders will be kept informed about the situation as it unfolds.
