In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the CIU National Executive and CBSA have been meeting by teleconference on a weekly basis to ensure the health and safety of our members and those close to them. On April 6, we discussed the following.
Rescheduling Efforts
The union found that in several Ports of Entry and despite the pandemic, it was business as usual. Although traffic is reduced at many POEs across the country, the number of officers has remained the same. This puts officers’ health and safety at risk. CBSA will be addressing this with the Regional Directors General.
Self-Monitoring and Self-Quarantine
We discussed the procedures to follow if a member was in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. CIU stressed that the member should contact the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) directly to provide the details of the situation. As indicated in the email Brother Mark Weber sent to the CIU National Board of Directors on March 31: “members should contact Public Health if they’ve been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. They need to provide PHAC as much information as possible about their exposure, as decisions on whether to self-isolate or self-monitor are ultimately theirs.”
Port closures – Reductions in hours
The union asked CBSA to identify the Ports that will be impacted by either reduced hours or by closures. We asked if the measures would be temporary (until the pandemic is over) or permanent. CBSA replied that any impacts would only be in place for the duration of the pandemic. We were told that approximately 30 POEs would be impacted and we will share the list as soon as it is available. CBSA reassured the union that members would continue to be paid.
6990 Leave & Telework
The union reported that immuno-compromised members who had been granted 6990 leave were being called back to work. CBSA will follow up. If you notice such occurrences in your Branch, please advise your Branch President.
