CBSA recently announced an update to their interpretation and application of the National Joint Council Travel Directive (Part 3 Module 2, Travel outside of headquarters area – No overnight stay and Part 3 Module 3, Travel in Canada and continental U.S.A. – Overnight stay) effective April 1, 2025, with an implementation target of May 1, 2025.
Despite earlier consultation with CIU, this announcement was done without the Agency seeking feedback from the union on the final version of the revised interpretation. As a result, CBSA’s updated documentation fails to address union concerns, with key elements of the interpretation severely lacking in clarity.
Most importantly, CBSA’s new interpretation would now make it possible for the employer to deny travel status in situations where members would previously have qualified, such as volunteering to take a temporary position away from their regular work location.
CIU is aware of the negative ramifications of this interpretation, and we are currently engaged in discussions with CBSA to review the interpretation prior to the May 1 implementation date.
In the meantime, should management deny travel expenses under the new interpretation, please contact your local union representative for further assistance. While the general grievance language provided below may be used, your local union representative will ensure the wording correctly reflects your specific situation.
General grievance wording
I grieve that the employer’s denial of my travel expenses contravenes the National Joint Council Directive on Government Travel.
Note: For those already receiving travel expenses resulting from a staffing action, if your Letter of Offer provides for travel expenses, you may use the following language: I grieve that the employer’s denial of my travel expenses contravened the National Joint Council Directive on Government Travel. I further grieve that the employer contravened the contract we signed on [date] when it unilaterally decided to terminate the payment of travel expenses as agreed. The contract stipulates that I will be eligible for travel expenses.
Remedy
That the employer approve the travel expenses I incurred during the period when I was assigned to work at (location). That I be awarded any and all other remedies, including compensatory damages. That I be made whole.
