Holding The Line: Border Services Workers Reach Tentative Deal

by Bruce Parkinson
Last updated: 2:20 PM ET, Tue June 11, 2024

Travellers can breathe a small sigh of relief as 9,000 workers at Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) have reached a tentative agreement, averting the prospect of job action later this week.

The workers are represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Customs and Immigration Union (CIU). They have been without a contract for two years and the two sides have been in mediation since last week.

"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," said PSAC national president Sharon DeSousa. 

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Congested U.S. and Canadian border crossing. (photo via LilliDay / E+)

Full details of the tentative pact have not been revealed. A ratification vote will be scheduled in the coming days.

While most of these workers are deemed essential and have limited scope for strike action, there had been fears that a ‘work-to-rule’ action could still create significant delays at land, air and sea borders.

"This tentative agreement demonstrates that the best agreements are always reached at the bargaining table," Treasury Board president Anita Anand said in a statement.

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