The unions representing more than 9,000 Canadian border workers say they will start job action by June 7 if they can’t reach a deal with the federal government.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Customs and Immigration Union (CIU) said while they hope to avoid strike or job actions—and the resulting border disruptions—a 4 p.m. deadline has been set.
The unions and the Treasury Board began mediation June 3 as the two sides discuss wages and other “key issues” for the 9,000-plus union members who have been without a contract for more than two years.
The unions say they want pay parity with other law enforcement agencies, flexible telework and remote work options, pension benefits, and stronger workplace protections.
They say job action by border agency personnel in 2021 “nearly brought commercial cross-border traffic to a standstill, causing major delays at airports and borders across the country.”
The government says it “fully respects” the right of employees to strike but unlawful job action “will not be tolerated” by the 90 percent of front-line border services officers who perform “essential services.”
The officers “must continue to provide uninterrupted border services to protect the safety and security of the public,” the Treasury Board said in a press release.
The government said it is prepared to “make concessions,” but compromise is needed from both sides of the table.
“Negotiation is a process of give and take,” the Treasury Board said, adding that it is “disappointed” the unions are threatening the government with labour disruptions “when we are ready and willing to negotiate and reach a fair agreement through good faith bargaining.”
CIU National President Mark Weber said union members won’t back down on their demands.
Work-to-Rule an Option
Striking is not the only option available to union members. Workers deemed essential could instead opt for work-to-rule, a tactic where employees do their jobs exactly as outlined in their contracts.Ian Lee, an associate professor at Carleton University’s school of business, said that means a border crossing could take much longer than normal. Beyond causing problems for tourists, it could disrupt the economy, given $2.5 billion a day in goods crosses the border, he said.
Stephanie Ross, an associate professor of labour studies at McMaster University, said there is a logistical barrier to the government taking action. She pointed out that work-to-rule means following job duties to the letter.
“People would be doing their work, albeit very thoroughly. How can you discipline people for following procedure?”
Ms. Ross said work-to-rule can be very effective.
A border crossing that might take an extra 10 minutes because the officer is doing everything by the book can “have an enormous disruptive effect magnified by the thousands of individuals, semi-trailers, various kinds of transport coming into Canada,” she said.
Mr. Lee said border workers have broad discretion when it comes to asking questions that can cause lengthy delays. He said it’s unclear how the government can argue a guard is “breaking the law by using their full discretion and authority.”
