Canadian Border Guards Vote to Strike Aug 6

by TravelPulse Staff
Last updated: 8:27 AM ET, Wed July 28, 2021

Canadian border guards and customs officials voted on Tuesday to go on strike just three days before fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents will be allowed into Canada.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Customs and Immigration Union (CIU) said in a joint statement that strike action could begin as soon as Aug. 6 after 8,500 members voted in favor of the action.

90% of the front-line border services officers are "essential" and will continue to work if a strike happens, however traffic and international mail will be slowed down.

Canada will allow fully vaccinated Americans to enter the country as of August 9th, and will open to fully vaccinated international visitors September 7. Prior to the pandemic, tourism was the fifth-largest industry in Canada, contributing $105 billion to the economy and providing one in ten jobs, according to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.

The workers have been without a contract since June 2018.

Talks are continuing and in an interview with CBC, PSAC National President Chris Aylward said the unions are hoping the government will return to the negotiating table.

Topics From This Article to Explore