The unions representing thousands of border workers are predicting disruptions at airports and land crossings this summer after members voted in favour of striking.
The Customs and Immigration Union (CIU) and Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) said Friday that their Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) members voted 96 per cent in favour of striking. It’s not clear how many members voted.
The impacted workers include border 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, said the unions.
They said the sticking points are bringing wages in line with other law enforcement agencies, telework and remote work options, retirement benefits and “stronger protections around discipline” and what they refer to as “technological change.”
“We’re sending a clear message to the employer: we’re prepared to fight for fair wages, equitable retirement and to make CBSA a better place to work,” said CIU president Mark Weber, in a statement.
Strike action could start next month.
The unions and the federal government met with the Public Interest Commission last month, which is expected to release an independent report with recommendations at the end of the month. Mediation sessions resume June 3.
PSAC-CIU said they will be in a legal strike position following the release of the report.
“As summer travel season nears, we hope the Trudeau Liberal government is making these negotiations a top priority. The window to avert a strike is closing quickly,” said PSAC president Chris Aylward.
Government calls strike ‘unnecessary’
The government said it believes there’s still time to reach an agreement.
“We believe these opportunities can provide a clear path to an agreement without the undue hardship for employees and the public caused by a strike,” said the Treasury Board in a statement.
“We recognize that labour action is a legitimate part of collective bargaining. Employees have the right to strike, but at this time it is unnecessary.”
The government said in the event of strike action, about 90 per cent of front-line border services employees would be deemed essential.
“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,” said the statement.