Canada: Strike by unionized border services personnel possible as early as June 6

Unionized employees of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) could go on strike as early as June 6 if negotiations with management slated for June 3-5 fail to produce an agreement. CBSA employees are seeking increased pay and improved benefits. According to the Customs and Immigration Union (CIU), over 96 percent of the agency's workers have voted in favor of a strike during early June; nevertheless, labor leaders have as yet announced no exact date for the start of such an action.

Unless averted, the industrial action will likely cause delays clearing customs at land, air, and maritime border entry points nationwide. Since 90 percent of Canadian border agents are classified as essential personnel and, therefore, are prohibited from suspending work during labor disputes, the strike probably will not be crippling. However, significant slow-downs could still occur if CBSA officers engage in a work-to-rule action in lieu of a full walk-out.