The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) says all strike action by 9,000 Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) personnel is on hold as mediation will continue until Wednesday.
The union is still working to secure a contract with the Treasury Board of Canada, as the border employees have been working without a deal for over two years.
“We’ve paused all strike action as talks continue to reach a fair contract for workers,” said Sharon DeSousa, PSAC National President. “Our members keep our borders moving, goods flowing and our families safe, and deserve a contract that delivers fair wages, equitable retirement and makes CBSA a better place to work."
The Customs and Immigration Union (CIU) was showing its support for PSAC, as its members also threatened to launch strike action earlier this week.
Mark Weber, Customs and Immigration Union National President is hopeful a deal can be reached.
"Our members are essential – protecting our borders, preventing auto theft and stopping illegal drugs and firearms from entering Canada – and they deserve a fair contract that treats them with respect and dignity in line with other law enforcement agencies across the country,” he said.
Main sticking points were said to be fair wages, equitable retirement and a call to make CBSA a better place to work.
PSAC said a new strike deadline will be available in the coming days.
Job action is still on the table for CBSA workers if an agreement cannot be reached.
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.
The latest Blue Water Bridge wait times can be viewed on the Federal Bridge Corporation's X page.
A similar labour impasse took place in the summer of 2021. An agreement was reached following a 36-hour bargaining session.