Earlier today, the Canada Border Services Agency notified some of our members that their positions would be subject to workforce adjustment (WFA) measures, as part of the federal government’s cuts to the broader public service.
This will understandably be a significant source of worry and uncertainty for those who are affected. To those members, know that your union is here to ensure that your rights are protected. The Customs and Immigration Union has the personnel and resources in place to see you treated as you should, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Over the years, we have fought hard to have WFA protections enshrined in our collective agreements (Appendix C for the FB group / Appendix D for the PA group), and CIU is fully committed to ensuring that the employer respect these provisions. To learn more about your rights and protections around WFA measures, we invite you to review the Public Service Alliance of Canada’s Guide to Workforce Adjustment, which outlines both employer and employee responsibilities, provides steps to navigate the workforce adjustment process, and details options available to workers.
In addition to the guide, PSAC has built a WFA portal which provides members with a broad range of information and tools (such as a checklist with step-by-step guidance for affected members). For your convenience, we have also made this information available via a dedicated page on the CIU national website. Should you need assistance or information beyond these resources, you can contact us at wfa-rde@ciu-sdi.ca for any WFA inquiry.
Outside of the individual impact of WFA measures, it is disconcerting to see the Government of Canada reduce the federal public service at a time when Canadians need the services our members provide more than ever. The decision to do away with crucial knowledge and expertise will only serve to make Canada less safe.
In solidarity,
Mark Weber
CIU National President
