OTTAWA,
ON, May 24, 2024 /CNW/ - Today, the Public
Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC)
informed the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) that it has
received a positive strike vote from the membership of the Border
Services (FB) group.
The government is fully committed to reaching a fair and
reasonable agreement for border services employees. We have already
signed renewed agreements with more than 80% of the public service,
and if the union is ready to negotiate in good faith, we can do the
same for Border Services group employees.
We recognize that labour action is a legitimate part of
collective bargaining. Employees have the right to strike, but at
this time it is unnecessary. We are ready and willing to return to
the bargaining table at any time.
There are important upcoming opportunities where both parties
can make real progress toward an agreement. By the end of May, we
will receive recommendations from an independent party—the Public
Interest Commission—which will help bring the 2 sides together.
Then, on June 3, guided by those
recommendations, both parties will begin mediation.
We believe these opportunities can provide a clear path to an
agreement without the undue hardship for employees and the public
caused by a strike.
The Government of Canada values
the important work of border services employees, and we will do
everything possible to reach a responsible and competitive
agreement. However, in the event of strike action, Canadians should
know that 90% of front-line border services employees are
designated as essential, meaning they must continue providing
services during a strike.
The best agreements are reached at the bargaining table. Rather
than planning for disruption, PSAC should focus on negotiation so
we can reach an agreement as quickly as possible that is fair to
employees and taxpayers.
Quick Facts
- The Border Services Group is comprised of approximately 11,000
positions at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) that are
primarily involved in the planning, development, delivery, or
management of the inspection and control of people and goods
entering Canada.
- There are over 9,500 represented Border Services group
employees at the CBSA and 90% of them occupy a position that is
deemed essential.
Associated Links
- Statement from President of Treasury Board on Public Interest
Commission Hearings for the Border Services Group
- Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat Statement in response to
Public Service Alliance of Canada Strike Vote
- The collective bargaining process - Canada.ca
Stay connected
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbs-sct/
SOURCE Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat