PLATTSBURGH — A potential strike of Canadian border workers could cause long delays at the U.S./Canadian border, which has local officials concerned.
“We have also experienced during past disputes slowdowns even without an actual strike, taking more time than usual per vehicle,” North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said.
“There are active calls from our partners in Canada for the Canadian government to focus on reaching an agreement as soon as possible. It is crucial to Canada to support the predictable flow of travel and commerce at its American border.” Douglas said.
More than 9,000 Canada Border Services Agency employees can begin job action across the country starting today at 4 p.m. if an agreement with the Canadian government is not reached, according to the Public Service Alliance of Canada.
The employees are members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Customs and Immigration Union.
“We are still hopeful that we can reach an agreement to avoid strike action and any potential delays at Canada’s borders,” said Sharon DeSousa, PSAC National President in recent reports.
“But the clock is ticking for Trudeau’s Liberal government to get to work on a fair contract for our members.”
NO CONTRACT
Union members have been without a contract for more than two years. Key issues in bargaining include fair wages that are aligned with other law enforcement agencies across the country, flexible telework and remote work options, equitable retirement benefits for CBSA law enforcement personnel and stronger workplace protections, according to reports.
Job action by CBSA personnel occurred in 2021 and had a dramatic affect on commercial cross-border traffic, caused major delays at airports and borders across the country. It took a marathon 36-hour bargaining session to reach an agreement.
The two sides remain in negotiations this week with the assistance of a mediator in an effort to reach an agreement.
The North Country experienced a sag in cross-border traffic for nearly three years during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when the border was largely closed to the public.
The outcome of this latest labor dispute has had North Country officials concerned for awhile.
Douglas said that while most CBSA activities would be covered during an actual strike action, there would be a shortage of available personnel, meaning, at best, longer dwell and wait times at the border.
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 north bound and as the region is 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, Douglas said.
“All in the face of a strong return last year and this year of our Canadian visitors post-pandemic,” he said.
Douglas said North Country residents and Canadians, should check for wait times that are available in both directions on the Chamber’s website at northcountrychamber.com.
“Everyone should check ahead of time to gauge how much time they should allow,” he said.
CORNWALL AFFECT
Officials at Akwesasne were also preparing for a potential work action.
In the event of a strike, the border will remain open and safe as more than 90% of frontline Border Services Officers are essential workers, a statement said. This means that, in the event of a strike, they will continue to fulfill their duties with the highest level of integrity and professionalism.
During this time, however, travelers and businesses could witness an increase in border wait times, picketing outside CBSA premises, and wearing of union-related accessories.
The Domestic Lane will remain open daily 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. despite the strike. Cornwall Port of Entry officials have assured Akwesasne leadership that they are committed to ensuring that traffic can continue to cross, safely and as quickly as possible, the statement said.
The CBSA will closely monitor the flow of traffic at the border and will act quickly to address any delays, they added. They recognize border disruptions affect travelers and businesses and we encourage travelers to check Border Wait Times on the CBSA website https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca or download the CanBorder wait time app.
Akwesasne officials said they will also maintain communication with CBSA regarding the strike and provide updates as necessary.
They advise the community to be patient and plan ahead for potential delays.
In addition to CBSA’s wait time resources, live traffic cams of the Seaway International Bridge traffic can also be viewed at: http://sibc.us.tempcloudsite.com/bridge.php or www.sibc.ca.