Canadian Customs Officers Ready to Strike Without New Labor Deal, Union Says
A union representing Canadian customs agents will meet with the government June 3 to try to negotiate a new labor deal and avoid a strike that could lead to disruptions at ports and border crossings across Canada. The Public Service Alliance of Canada, which represents over 9,000 border and customs agents for the Canada Border Services Agency, said May 29 it’s “hopeful” CBSA “will return to the bargaining table with a renewed mandate to reach a fair agreement for members” next week.
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If not, the union warned that Canadian customs officers could be “in a legal strike position as early as” June 6.
The upcoming meeting will come one week after PSAC sent a letter to the transportation industry warning of “dramatic disruptions to the flow of goods, services and individuals entering Canada” if the two sides don’t reach a deal. The union said CBSA agents “have been without a contract for more than two years because the government refuses to budge on several key issues,” adding that 96% of its members voted in favor of a strike “should it be necessary.”
“It is my sincere hope that PSAC and Treasury Board can reach an agreement that works for both parties,” the letter said. “However, the distinct possibility of a labour disruption is on the horizon.”