Border workers who almost went on strike in June ratify new contract

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OTTAWA — The union representing Canadian border workers says 91 per cent of its members voted for a new collective agreement.

More than 9,000 Canada Border Services Agency employees had planned industrial action for June, but the strike was averted by a preliminary agreement with the Canadian government.

The vote reinforces the new collective bargaining agreement that averted a strike that would have brought commercial border traffic to a halt, including at the Windsor-Detroit border crossings, and caused significant delays across the country.

Key issues included pay parity with other law enforcement agencies, flexible telecommuting and remote work options, retirement benefits, and stronger worker protections.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada says the new agreement will expire in 2026.

The deal includes a pay increase that goes beyond those of other law enforcement agencies, more protection from technological change and improvements in shift scheduling and vacation policies, it says.

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