CBSA strike potentially looms in June

Members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) who work for Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), have voted overwhelmingly to strike as early as June.

Ninety-six per cent of members voted in favor of job action during votes held April 10 to May 23, the union announced.

“Taking job action is always a last resort, but this strong strike mandate underscores that our members are prepared do what it takes to secure a fair contract,” said Chris Aylward, PSAC national president. “Unless they want a repeat of 2021, Treasury Board and CBSA must be prepared to come to the table with a fair offer that addresses our key issues.”

In 2021, job action by CBSA nearly brought commercial cross-border traffic to a halt before a 35-hour bargaining session resulted in an agreement.

PSAC says its workers have been without a contract for more than two years.

The union says it is seeking: fair wages that are aligned with other law enforcement agencies across the country, flexible telework and remote work options, equitable retirement benefits and stronger protections around discipline, technological change and hours of work.

Mediation sessions are set to begin June 3. The union will be in a legal strike position upon release of a Public Interest Commission report, expected to be released before then.