Category Archives: victories

FB ratification kit now available: A message from the CIU National President

2024 Bargaining Team Équipe de négos

On June 11, 2024, the PSAC-CIU bargaining team for the FB group secured a tentative agreement for over 9,000 members at CBSA. This agreement represents the culmination of nearly two years of intense work at the bargaining table and brings to our members outstanding gains in several areas, notably on the wage front. The ratification kit is now available, and I invite all our members to see the full details of the tentative agreement.

The dedication of our FB bargaining team to obtaining the best deal for our members leaves the FB group in a markedly stronger position. The resulting tentative agreement is a resounding success for all our members, without whom this victory would not have been possible. Once again, it is through your support and solidarity that our team was able to secure the improvements you all so decidedly deserve.

Over the next few weeks, members will have the opportunity to attend ratification sessions and vote on the agreement. Further details will be announced in the coming days.

The FB bargaining team unanimously recommends ratification of the tentative agreement, and I could not be prouder of adding my voice to this recommendation. This tentative agreement is the latest in a long line of victories, illustrating once more what we as a union can accomplish together.

Thank you and in solidarity,

Mark Weber
CIU National President

Tentative agreement reached for more than 9,000 workers at Canada Border Services Agency, summary available

Banner-FB-Bannière

After nearly two years of without a contract, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Customs and Immigration Union (CIU) have reached tentative agreements with Treasury Board and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for over 9,000 members of the FB bargaining unit.

The four-year agreement – spanning from June 2022 to June 2026 – includes a total compounded wage increase of 15.7%, highlighting the value of the work done by FB unit members and exceeding recent wage increases provided in other Canadian law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the agreement features enhanced protections relative to technological changes, and better provisions for shift scheduling and leave.

“Our bargaining team worked around the clock to secure the best contract for our members, and this tentative agreement is a testament to their incredible hard work and dedication,” said Sharon DeSousa, PSAC National President. “This is a well-deserved victory for our members at CBSA who safeguard our nation’s borders and ensure the safety and security of all Canadians.”

The agreement, reached after nine days of around-the-clock negotiations, avoids potential job action at Canada’s borders.

“I’m proud of the solidarity our members have shown over the past two years of negotiations,” said Mark Weber, CIU National President. “Our bargaining team couldn’t have won this agreement without the support of thousands of members across the country who supported their efforts.”

The FB bargaining team is unanimously recommending ratification of the tentative agreement. An online vote will take place in the coming weeks.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

PSAC celebrates equitable pension reform for thousands of frontline workers

Frontline firefighters

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) applauds the federal government’s announcement of new pension reform legislation today, which will provide equitable retirement benefits for thousands of frontline public safety and law enforcement workers across the country.

This landmark legislation marks a significant victory for our members who have been advocating for fair pension treatment for more than a decade.

“It’s National Public Service Week, and I can’t think of better news to deliver to the federal workers who keep us safe every single day,” said Sharon DeSousa, PSAC National President. “After years of being treated like second-class workers, this legislation will offer a dignified retirement to thousands of frontline workers.”

PSAC members expected to be covered by the legislation include frontline border services staff, Coast Guard search and rescue technicians, Parks Canada wildland firefighters, Department of National Defence firefighters on military bases, and correctional officers, paramedics and firefighters working for the three territorial governments.

These frontline workers play a crucial role ensuring the safety and well-being of Canadians across the country; protecting our borders, fighting devastating wildfires and delivering vital emergency services in remote communities.

“Nearly a decade of hard work and advocacy by our members has finally paid off,” said DeSousa. “Now, these dedicated frontline workers will no longer be forced to work five years longer before they can retire, just like other public safety workers across the country.”

Most public safety and law enforcement workers in Canada already benefit from early retirement options, including most firefighters, air traffic controllers, RCMP constables, and operational employees at Correctional Services Canada.

This equitable pension reform will allow more public safety workers to retire with dignity after 25 years of service without penalties.

“We’ll be reviewing this legislation carefully and pushing the government to adopt these changes swiftly to provide frontline workers with fair retirement benefits as soon as possible,” said DeSousa.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.