Talks have broken off between the federal government and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) for a new collective agreement for Canadian Border Services Agency workers.
The union says the main issue is the government's refusal to treat customs and immigration officers the way other law enforcement workers are treated with respect to working conditions and compensation.
They include a commitment to allow early retirement, similar to other law enforcement officers in recognition of the physical toll PSAC says the work entails, fair discipline procedures and salaries similar to other law enforcement officers such as the RCMP.
In fact, the union maintains the government is seeking major concessions.
PSAC represents about 8,000 CBSA workers including those at the Blue Water Bridge. They have been without an agreement since June of 2014.
Late last year, nearly 50 toll collectors, currency exchange personnel and custodian and maintenance staff went on strike for three weeks before a new contract agreement was reached.
