Border workers begin work-to-rule action as negotiations with government continue
Border agents have begun work-to-rule action while unions and the government continue to negotiate a deal to enhance protections for employees against harassment and discrimination.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) tweeted this morning that bargaining took place throughout night and into the early morning, but a deal has yet to be reached.
"In the meantime, work-to-rule actions have started across the country," the tweet said.
Our FB bargaining team has been at the table all night, and we're giving them a bit more time to negotiate. <br><br>In the meantime, work-to-rule actions have started across the country. We'll provide an update as soon as possible. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cdnpoli?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cdnpoli</a>
—@psac_afpcPSAC and the Customs and Immigration Union (CIU) represent roughly 8,500 border workers. The work-to-rule action will see agents performing only the minimum amount of work required by their contracts.
The work-to-rule strike comes just days before Canada is set to begin easing border restrictions for fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents entering Canada for non-essential purposes.
That change goes into effect on Monday, Aug. 9.
Both unions have warned that the strike would have a "dramatic impact" on the border reopening as well as Canada's supply chain.
The border will remain open, since 90 per cent of border agents have been identified as essential workers. However, travellers can expect long lineups and delays at airports and border crossings, the unions say.
A spokesperson for PSAC told CBC that the work-to-rule action will continue until a deal is reached.
Members of the unions voted to strike in late July. The unions say they are seeking better protection against harassment and discrimination, changes to what they call the CBSA's "toxic workplace culture" and better wage parity with other law enforcement agencies.
Earlier this week the CBSA did not say if it expects the type of delays being described by the unions. In a statement, the agency said it said it will "respond quickly to any job action" to ensure the border remains safe and open to legitimate travellers and goods.
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