The union representing Canadian border workers says its members could strike as soon as Thursday.
“The clock is ticking,” said Sharon DeSousa, Public Service Alliance Canada’s (PSAC) national president-elect in a May 30 statement.
“At every opportunity, Trudeau’s Liberal government has refused to put the needs of workers first, and time is running out to avoid sweeping job action.”
Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) workers voted on May 24 to strike. In a statement that day, union said workers have been without a contract for two years and were demanding fair wages, flexible work options and other benefits.
The union said mediation with the treasury board would begin today, and added it was hopeful it could secure a satisfactory contract.
Ninety per cent of the 9,500 border services workers are classified as essential, which means they must continue to provide service during a strike, the federal government said in a May 24 news release.
“The Government of Canada values the important work of border services employees, and we will do everything possible to reach a responsible and competitive agreement,” it said.
