CBSA, Unions Make Statements on Tentative Deal, Preventing Border Disruptions

By Andy Gardner.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Customs and Immigration Union (CIU) have reached a tentative agreement, averting a potential strike at Canada’s borders.

Last week, both the alliance and union, representing over 9,000 Canada Border Services Agency workers, threatened to initiate “job action” on June 7 if an agreement wasn't reached. However, the union extended the deadline to this week, and a tentative deal has been struck.

The workers had gone without a contract for over two years, the union said. Details of the tentative agreement will be disclosed after sharing with members.

Union officials, along with New York State Assemblyman Billy Jones, D-Chateaugay Lake, expressed satisfaction that a tentative deal was reached, preventing disruptions at Canadian ports of entry.

“I am pleased that the Canadian government has made a tentative agreement with the union representing workers at the border. When they failed to reach an agreement in 2021, it wreaked havoc on our borders for commercial traffic,” Jones said in a statement. “It is great news that we were able to avoid the consequences of delays at the border that would’ve been detrimental to the North Country economy. This tentative agreement also allows for family and friends on both sides of the border to stay connected and day travelers to continue to visit our region during the peak summer season.”

Union officials shared their thoughts on the union website.

“Our bargaining team has been working around the clock to secure the best contract for our members, and this tentative agreement is a testament to their incredible hard work and dedication,” Sharon DeSousa, PSAC national president, said in a statement on the union’s website. “This is a well-deserved victory for our members at CBSA who safeguard our nation’s borders and ensure the safety and security of all Canadians.”

“I’m proud of the solidarity our members have shown over that past two years of negotiations,” Mark Weber, CIU national president, said on the site. “Our bargaining team couldn’t have won this agreement without the strength and support shown by thousands of members across the country who took action to support our bargaining team.”