A look inside the tentative deal for Canada’s border workers

Roughly 9,000 unionized Canadian border workers are in line for a 14.8 per cent pay bump over a four-year period if their tentative agreement is approved by members.

The deal is retroactive by two years, so it spans from June 2022 to June 2026.

Earlier this week, a tentative pact was hammered out during mediated talks between the federal government and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Customs Immigration Union (CIU).

The agreement, which has not yet been ratified, also avoided three separate job action deadlines and possible long work-to-rule delays at the country’s ports of entry.

According to the union, when you factor in compounded increases over the length of the contract, wage increases are closer to 15.7 per cent, exceeding recent wage increases secured by other Canadian law enforcement agencies.

Enhanced protections relative to technological changes, and better provisions for shift scheduling and leave are also in the deal, said the union in a statement.

“Additionally, the agreement features enhanced protections relative to technological changes, and better provisions for shift scheduling and leave,” the union said.

Voluntary telework can also be initiated by employees, with arrangements considered on a case-by-case basis.

“This is a well-deserved victory for our members at CBSA who safeguard our nation’s borders and ensure the safety and security of all Canadians,” said Sharon DeSousa, PSAC national president. 

If the deal is ratified, members will also secure a $2,500 pensionable lump sum payout. Gains were also made surrounding things like shift premiums and vacation eligibility.

The union says ratification votes will take place online in the coming weeks.