MALONE — Canada Border Services Agency workers on May 24 voted to approve a strike mandate that could lead to “significant disruptions” to the flow of goods, services and people through Canadian ports of entry, according to the union that represents them.

Members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Customs and Immigration Union, which represents the workers, posted on its website that it “will begin job action across the country starting June 7 at 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) if an agreement is not reached at the table with CBSA and treasury board this week.”

The union represents more than 9,000 workers, who have been without a contract for over two years, according to the union.

“We are still hopeful that we can reach an agreement to avoid strike action and any potential delays at Canada’s borders,” Sharon DeSousa, PSAC national president, said in a website post. “But the clock is ticking … to get to work on a fair contract for our members.”

The potential for the strike has concerned officials at the Plattsburgh-based North Country Chamber of Commerce.

“This has been looming for some time in the absence of a contract, with a recent vote authorizing strike action. 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. We have also experienced during past disputes slowdowns even without an actual strike, taking more time than usual per vehicle,” Garry Douglas, president of the North Country chamber said in a prepared statement. “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.

“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 we are 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. All in the face of a strong return last year and this year of our Canadian visitors post-pandemic,” he added.

The chamber also reminded North Country residents and Canadians alike that links to border crossing wait times are available in both directions on the chamber’s website at northcountrychamber.com.

Tribe notified

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and Mohawk Council of Akwesasne released a joint statement in a press release on the potential strike that could impact its local CBSA Cornwall Port of Entry.

“The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) that represents Border Services Officers has declared an impasse in negotiations with the employer, leading to tomorrow’s strike action start date. CBSA respects the right of employees to strike and to participate in lawful activities associated with collective bargaining,” the statement reads. “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. 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, travellers and businesses could witness an increase in border wait times, picketing outside CBSA premises, and wearing of union-related accessories.”

According to the SRMT, the domestic lane at the Cornwall crossing 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 release said. “The CBSA will closely monitor the flow of traffic at the border and will act quickly to address any delays. They recognize border disruptions affect travellers and businesses.”

Travellers can check border wait times on the CBSA website www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca or download the CanBorder wait time app.

Akwesasne officials said they will maintain communication with CBSA regarding the strike and provide updates as necessary.

“We advise the community to please be patient and plan ahead for potential delays,” the release said.

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.