More than 9,000 workers are threatening to go on strike, creating a looming specter of uncertainty for cross-border trade and travel
SAINT-ARMAND, QC —
As tensions mount between the Canadian Border Services Agency and its union, thousands of Canadian border workers are poised to go on strike as early as Friday, raising concerns about potential disruptions to the flow of goods, services, and people between Canada and the United States.
According to CTV Television Network, workers are poised to go on strike as early as 4 p.m. on Friday.
The CBSA and its union have not had a contract since June 2022, with no resolution in sight. More than 9,000 workers are now threatening to go on strike, creating a looming specter of uncertainty for cross-border trade and travel.
Some of the issues workers are fighting for include equal pay with other law enforcement agencies, remote work options, pension benefits and more, according to CTV.
Despite assurances from Canadian officials and the North Country Chamber of Commerce that the border will remain open in the event of a strike, there are fears that the potential walkout could significantly disrupt normal operations and increase wait times for travelers.
Garry Douglas, president of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, expressed concerns about the potential impact of a strike on the region’s economy and cross-border relations.
“The border, which is so essential to the North Country in so many ways, is becoming a point of two-way frustration as Canada faces strike actions northbound and as we are already periodically experiencing longer wait times at Champlain and other ports of entry due in part to waves of temporary transfers of CBP border crossing officers from the northern to the southern border, limiting staff for the opening of lanes. All in the face of a strong return last year and this year of our Canadian visitors post-pandemic,” Douglas said.
Should the strike come into effect, the chamber said it hopes for a swift resolution to minimize the disruption to businesses and communities on both sides of the border.