Canada Border Services Agency employees vote to strike

Travellers and businesses could experience an increase in border clearance times beginning on August 6, 2021

More than 8,500 unionized staff with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) have given their union an overwhelming strike mandate. CBSA employees could potentially begin strike action as soon as August 6, 2021.

The employees – members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Customs and Immigration Union (CIU) – have been without a contract for over three years.

In a notice to trade the CBSA said: “ninety percent (90%) of Border Services Officers have been identified as essential, meaning that they will continue to offer essential services if there is a strike.”

“CBSA operations will carry on as planned as the Agency continues to ensure the safety and security of Canadians while maintaining the flow of goods and services across the border. However, travellers and businesses could experience an increase in border wait times, picketing outside CBSA premises, and wearing of union-related accessories. The CBSA has been actively working to plan for these situations and has developed mitigation strategies to ensure operations will continue.”