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Thousands of Canada Border Service Agency Workers Vote to Go On Strike

Unions represent over 8,500 border services staff

Canada could be looking at a hindrance to its plans to re-open the border. 

The unions representing over 8,500 Canada Border Services Agency employees have announced members have voted in favour of a strike mandate. 

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) says the workers have been without a contract for over three years. 

Union members are calling for better protections against discrimination and harassment, and greater parity with other Canadian law enforcement agencies. 

Chris Aylward, PSAC National President, says the government needs to step up for the workers. 

"Our members at CBSA have been on the front lines throughout the pandemic, and many have contracted COVID-19 while working. They’ve kept our borders safe, screened travelers entering Canada, and ensured the rapid clearance of vaccine shipments."

Employees could potentially go on strike as soon as August 6th. 

A strike could result in slower commercial traffic at the border and ports of entry, delivery of international mail and packages, and impact the collection of duties and taxes on goods coming into the country. 

Meanwhile, the Canadian government has re-opened the border to fully vaccinated American tourists starting August 9th, and double-dosed travelers from other countries September 7th. 

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