The federal government and the agency guarding Canada's border are working to reach an agreement ahead of possible job action.
Mediation began on Monday between the government and the unions representing over 9,000 Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) employees, with the hope of reaching a contract before a deadline of 4 p.m. Friday.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) set the deadline on Tuesday.
"We are still hopeful that we can reach an agreement to avoid strike action and any potential delays at Canada’s borders," said PSAC National President Sharon DeSousa. "But the clock is ticking for Trudeau’s Liberal government to get to work on a fair contract for our members."
The PSAC is joined by the Customs and Immigration Union (CIU) in potential job action. The unions have been working without a contract for over two years.
"Our members have overwhelmingly told us they are prepared to fight for fair wages, equitable retirement and to make CBSA a better place to work," said CIU National President Mark Weber. "It’s time for the government to step up for CBSA employees."
The Treasury Board of Canada has indicated that it is willing to work on a fair deal, but there must be a willingness to compromise.
"Negotiation is a process of give and take. The government is prepared to make concessions, but there needs to be movement on both sides," read a release from the Treasury Board. "Canadians expect these outstanding issues to be resolved at the bargaining table swiftly, and the announced labour disruptions undermine the negotiation process. We are disappointed that PSAC has threatened labour disruptions when we are ready and willing to negotiate and reach a fair agreement through good faith bargaining."
The Treasury Board pointed out that under the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act, 90 per cent of border service officers are considered essential, and must not engage in any tactic to intentionally slow traffic at the border.
A similar labour impasse took place in the summer of 2021. An agreement was reached following a 36-hour bargaining session.