No Holdups: Border Services Workers Reach Tentative Deal – Canadian Travel News

Canadians planning to cross borders by air, land and sea can breathe a sigh of relief as unions representing 9,000 workers at the 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. 

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

While most border workers are deemed essential and have limited scope for strike action, there were 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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About the Author

Bruce Parkinson has been writing about the Canadian and international travel industries for more than 25 years.