Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) shoulder patch. (Photo courtesy of CBSA)Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) shoulder patch. (Photo courtesy of CBSA)
Windsor

CBSA workers reach tentative deal with federal government

After more than 36 hours of negotiations, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) workers have reached a tentative deal with the government.

The news broke just before 10 p.m. Friday, following one day of a work-to-rule campaign that snarled traffic at the country's busiest border crossing points.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada's National President Chris Aylward said the unions feel relieved that they've reached an agreement sparing everyone a prolonged labour dispute.

"The agreement is a testament to the incredible hard work and dedication of our bargaining team who worked through the night to reach a deal," said Aylward.

Now that the deal has been reached, essential travellers will be able to move through borders more easily. Many drivers spent hours in line on Friday while border officials asked more questions than usual.

The timing of the agreement comes just in the nick of time as Canada prepares to welcome back fully vaccinated Americans on Monday.

Highlights of the tentative deal include:

• A four year agreement from 2018-2021 with an average annual increase of 2 per cent per year

• Better protections against discipline in the workplace

• A national committee created to deal with workplace culture problems

• Meal allowances for uniformed members

• A letter committing to advance work toward introducing early retirement benefits

• A better handling of employee grievances

• Domestic violence leave among other leave and allowance improvements.

Border guards have been working without a contract for the past three years. Negotiations began back in January 2019 before coming to a standstill in December 2020.

The unions, the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Customs and Immigration Union announced a strike mandate at the end of July before issuing an official strike notice on August 3.

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