Canadian border workers are preparing to take action this Friday

BUFFALO, NY (WIVB) — According to the Public Service Alliance of Canada, more than 9,000 Canadian workers could take action this Friday if an agreement is not reached with the Canada Border Services Agency ( CBSA).

This doesn’t mean a typical strike is on the horizon, but rather workers could begin implementing over-the-top practices, according to a CBC report.

” According to Federal Public Sector Labor Relations Act, employees in essential service positions must provide uninterrupted border services,” the CBSA said. “They can’t intentionally slow down border processing.”

In this situation, borders would remain closed, but workers could choose to meticulously interpret the rules, which could significantly slow down border crossings. When the pressure tactics were launched in 2021, the PSAC says they “nearly paralyzed cross-border commercial traffic,” leading to delays at border crossings and airports.

Last Friday, pressure tactics were planned until they were postponed for the continuation of mediation negotiations until Wednesday.

The PSAC now says that if no agreement is reached with the federal government, pressure tactics will begin on June 14 at 12:01 a.m.

“We remain hopeful that we can avoid a strike and possible disruption at Canada’s borders,” said PSAC National President Sharon DeSousa.

The PSAC says the workers have been without a contract for more than two years.