Canadian Border Service workers could strike Wednesday, pending labor agreement

The Canadian border workers’ union announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that it is pushing back its strike deadline from Friday to Wednesday,

Over 9,000 Canada Border Services Agency workers had been set to take job action Friday at 3 p.m. CT, pending a labor agreement with CBSA and Treasury Board.

Member of the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Custom and Immigration Union have been without a contract for over two years. They’re hoping for higher wages, similar to what Canadian Law Enforcement officers earn, along with remote work options, stronger workplace protections, and better retirement benefits.

Both sides have been in negotiations this week with a mediator.

“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, in a statement. “But the clock is ticking for Trudeau’s Liberal government to get to work on a fair contract for our members.”

In 2021, CBSA job action brought commercial cross-border traffic to a standstill and caused major delays at airports. It took a 36 hour bargaining session to reach an agreement.

90% of the jobs in the union are deemed essential, but what they could do is ‘work to rule,’ which is when someone applies each and every one of their job’s rules and regulations.

“Our members have overwhelmingly told us they are prepared to fight for fair wages, equitable retirement and to make CBSA a better place to work,” said Mark Weber, CIU National President, said in a press release. “It’s time for the government to step up for CBSA employees.”