Members of the Customs and Immigration Union (CIU), which represent CBSA employees including Border Service Officers have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action.
Mediation with the CBSA was expected to begin June 03, 2024 and that the Public Interest Commission report is to be released at the same time. The union notes that it will be in a legal strike position seven days after the PIC report is released, and members should be prepared to take job action in June 2024 if a deal isn’t reached.
In previous strike action, 90% of frontline Border Services Officers were deemed as essential, meaning they continued to offer essential services. CBSA employees based away from the frontline may not be deemed as essential and be in a position to take strike action.
Travellers and businesses could experience an increase in border wait times, other services, and picketing outside CBSA premises.
Additional information is available at the following link:
Public Service Alliance of Canada
Border wait times (United States to Canada)
In the event of strike action, carriers should only proceed to the border after their PARS/PAPS has been accepted.
Shipment status can be checked on the Willson International website
Willson International Ltd. is following this developing story and will provide additional information as it becomes available.