Employees of the Canada Border Services Agency have voted on a strike mandate that may throw a wrench into Canada's reopening plans.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), which represents CBSA border agents and other employees, reported Tuesday that over 8,500 members have voted to approve a strike mandate. A work stoppage may begin as soon as Friday, August 6, 2021. Employees are also represented by the Customs and Immigration Union (CIU).
The unionized employees have been working without a contract for three years, with workplace morale and parity with other law-enforcement agencies as the key sticking points.
"Our members at CBSA have been on the front lines throughout the pandemic, and many have contracted COVID-19 while working," said PSAC National President Chris Aylward. "They’ve kept our borders safe, screened travellers entering Canada, and ensured the rapid clearance of vaccine shipments. Now it’s time for the government to step up for them the way they’ve stepped up for Canadians."
Mark Weber, CIU President, said the last thing anyone wants is a border disruption, especially when the Canadian government is preparing to reopen the border to fully vaccinated American visitors.
"Taking strike action is always a last resort, but we’re grappling with systemic workplace harassment issues that must be addressed," said Weber. "The toxic workplace culture at CBSA is taking a heavy toll on the mental health and well-being of our members."
The two unions are asking the federal government for the same treatment recently given to the RCMP, which recently reached a tentative agreement.
"We’ve told the government numerous times that we’re ready to return to the table to negotiate a fair contract that addresses our members’ concerns," said Aylward. "But their window to avert a strike is quickly closing."
CBSA spokesperson Judith Gadbois-St-Cyr told Blackburn News that most CBSA employees are essential and will continue to work even if there is a work stoppage.
"CBSA officers have proven their tremendous resilience and dedication since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic by helping to prevent the spread of the virus and its variants, while facilitating the flow of essential goods," said Gadbois-St-Cyr in an email. They remain vigilant and continue to effectively enforce some of the world’s strongest border measures to keep Canadians safe. We expect that our officers will continue to fulfill their duties with the highest level of integrity and professionalism."
---with files from Melanie Irwin