An impending strike by Canada Border Services Agency workers was averted by the union representing more than 9,000 employees, the union announced Tuesday it had reached a tentative contract agreement.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Customs and Immigration Union (CIU) are in the midst of intense negotiations with the federal government over a new contract, and talks were extended last week to allow more time for negotiations. Both sides face a 12:01 a.m. Friday deadlineThe union said it would go on strike if no agreement was reached.
“Our bargaining team has been working around the clock to secure the best possible contract for our members, and this tentative agreement is a testament to their incredible hard work and dedication,” PSAC National President Sharon DeSousa said in a statement. She called the outcome a “well-deserved victory” for all union members.
Details of the agreement were not immediately released. Members were told they would see the full deal on Thursday.
The Treasury Board Secretariat said in a statement that the tentative agreement would include “increases in staff wages and other benefits.”
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“The government and PSAC spent a long time at the bargaining table looking for solutions and common ground. Ultimately, we reached an agreement that is fair for employees and reasonable for Canadians,” the statement said.
Union members still need to vote to ratify and finalize the agreement.
CBSA employees have been without a contract since the last one expired in June 2022. The union has been fighting for higher wages and retirement benefits, including early retirement after 25 years of service, which they say should be in line with other Canadian law enforcement agencies, such as the RCMP and Correctional Service Canada.
They also want clear rules for remote work and assurances that vacant positions will not be filled with contract workers.
The strike action was originally scheduled to begin last Friday afternoon, but That deadline was extended at the last minute.
The strike could affect border crossings across Canada, and unions have warned of the impact it would have on travelers and the economy.
They noted that a brief strike three years ago “nearly brought cross-border commercial traffic to a standstill, causing severe delays at airports and borders across the country.”
According to the Finance Board, approximately 90 per cent of CBSA workers are considered essential workers and therefore would not be allowed to strike.
However, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said last week that the federal government was “very concerned” about potential strikes and was “highly concerned” about their impact on the economy.
Dennis Darby, president and CEO of the Canadian Association of Manufacturers and Exporters, said in a statement that his association's members were “relieved” that a deal had been reached.
“Maintaining full service at all border crossings is critical to maintaining the health of Canada’s manufacturing sector,” he said.
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