The unions representing Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) employees are calling for action after a deadline is announced.
With the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) announcing Wednesday that it would begin work-to-rule on Friday morning if there is no contract, supporters are trying a last-ditch effort to avoid work disruption. A work slowdown may set back the federal government's plans to open the border to non-essential, fully-vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents.
Windsor West MP Brian Masse, and federal NDP Treasury Board critic Matthew Green, sent a letter to Treasury Board President Jean-Yves Duclos and Public Safety Minister Bill Blair. Both MPs are urging the Treasury Board to work with the PSAC in reaching an agreement.
"Especially essential throughout the pandemic, these officers work hard screening travellers for COVID-19, stopping the import of dangerous goods, processing critical vaccine and PPE shipments, and continuing to keep Canadians safe," read the letter. "As such, we are also calling on the Treasury Board to implement strong whistleblower protections for all federal employees including Canada Border Services Agency. In Windsor, Ontario, alone, these officers continuously face various threats whether from disgruntled travellers, dangerous goods, or other unsafe working conditions, including COVID-19, that put them in danger daily."
Parity regarding salary and benefits with other law-enforcement agencies is also a big sticking point in negotiations.
"These officers should be on par with all other law enforcement agencies across Canada, and they deserve nothing less than a fair contract with protections from harassment and abuse of authority in the workplace," read the letter. "I also believe that a fair remote work policy is a necessity in this new digital-first world. This is the time to put these workers first and show that they are appreciated, respected, and can feel safe moving forward."
Over 8,500 CBSA border agents and employees may walk off the job. They are represented by the PSAC as well as the Customs and Immigration Union (CIU).
A rally supporting CBSA employees took place Wednesday night near the Ambassador Bridge.
