After nearly a month of negotiations, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has finally reached a tentative agreement with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), which represents over 8,500 border services officers.
The strike began on August 6th, with officers working without a contract since the previous agreement expired in June of 2018. The main issues at play were working conditions, staffing levels, and compensation. Border officers claimed they were overworked and understaffed, leading to increased safety risks and longer wait times for travellers.
The tentative agreement includes a 3% salary increase for each year of the four-year contract, as well as a $2,500 lump sum payment. Other improvements include increased staffing levels at certain ports of entry and changes to shift scheduling to reduce fatigue.
This agreement is not only beneficial for CBSA officers but also for the Canadian economy as a whole. With over $2.1 billion in trade crossing the border every day, any disruption in border services can have severe economic consequences. The strike had already caused delays and disruptions at several border crossings, affecting both travellers and businesses.
As the agreement still needs to be ratified by both parties, it is not yet a done deal. PSAC members will vote on the agreement in the coming weeks, and if it is approved, it will then be sent to the Treasury Board for final approval.
Regardless, this tentative agreement represents a step forward for the CBSA and its officers, who play a crucial role in keeping our borders safe and our economy moving.