A CBSA workers strike could begin Friday and here's where travellers could see 'major delays'

"Major delays" are possible at Canada-U.S. border crossings this weekend as border officers are set to begin strike action.

More than 9,000 Canada Border Services Agency workers could begin job action on Friday, June 7, if an agreement is not reached between CBSA and the Treasury Board this week, says the union representing the workers.

If strike action occurs, travellers could see major disruptions at airports and borders across the country.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada, a union which represents thousands of CBSA employees, said that members of the PSAC and the Customs and Immigration Union will begin job action across the country starting June 7 at 4 p.m. ET if an agreement is not reached with the Treasury Board.

"We are still hopeful that we can reach an agreement to avoid strike action and any potential delays at Canada’s borders," said PSAC national president Sharon DeSousa in a news release.

"But the clock is ticking for Trudeau’s Liberal government to get to work on a fair contract for our members."

According to the PSAC, CBSA workers have been without a contract for over two years. The PSAC says key issues at the table are "fair wages that are aligned with other law enforcement agencies across the country, flexible telework and remote work options, equitable retirement benefits for CBSA law enforcement personnel and stronger workplace protections."

PSAC members at the CBSA include border services officers at airports, land entry points, marine ports, and commercial ports of entry, inland enforcement officers, intelligence officers, investigators, trade officers, and non-uniformed headquarters staff.

According to the Government of Canada, CBSA officers provide services at approximately 1,200 points across the country, including 117 land-border crossings and 13 international airports.

As the PSAC notes, in 2021, a work-to-rule strike by CBSA workers nearly brought commercial cross-border traffic to a standstill, and caused major delays at airports and borders across the country.

During work-to-rule job action, employees do their jobs exactly as outlined by the rules of their contract or job description, which can cause a slowdown or decrease in productivity as they are no longer working during breaks or during unpaid extended hours, according to the PSAC.

If strike action occurs on June 7, major airports like Toronto Pearson Airport, Vancouver International Airport, and Montrea-Trudeau Airport could be impacted.

Major land border crossings like the Fort Eerie Peace Bridge, Windsor-Detroit Tunnel, and Pacific Highway could also see long delays.

"Negotiation is a process of give and take. The government is prepared to make concessions, but there needs to be movement on both sides," said the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat in a statement.

"Canadians expect these outstanding issues to be resolved at the bargaining table swiftly, and the announced labour disruptions undermine the negotiation process. We are disappointed that PSAC has threatened labour disruptions when we are ready and willing to negotiate and reach a fair agreement through good faith bargaining."

According to the PSAC, the two sides remain in negotiations.

"Our members have overwhelmingly told us they are prepared to fight for fair wages, equitable retirement and to make CBSA a better place to work," said Mark Weber, CIU national president.

"It's time for the government to step up for CBSA employees."

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.