PSAC members representing the Customs and Immigration Union (CIU) gathered in Ottawa from March 24 to 26 for the FB National Bargaining Conference to elect their bargaining team and set priorities that will drive the next round of negotiations for the Border Services (FB) group.
With the collective agreement set to expire June 20, 2026, 60 delegates reviewed proposals submitted by FB members nationwide identifying the key issues for more than 9,000 PSAC-CIU members working for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
Members are under pressure
Delegates shared firsthand experiences of managerial misconduct, excessive overtime, growing reliance on students and contractors, concerns over job security, and the need for better leave provisions.
The pressures are felt across regions and workplaces, with about 20 per cent of all overtime expenditures within the core public administration paid to FB members alone. This staggering number highlights CBSA staffing shortages that place both physical and mental strain on members to keep operations running.
Delegates helped to set clear bargaining priorities, including:
- Fair compensation that reflects the realities of the job
- Improved leave provisions for all members
- Tackling excessive overtime and workload pressures
- Strengthening job security and reducing reliance on precarious work
- Building safer, healthier, and more respectful workplaces
These priorities will guide the bargaining team as they meet in April to finalize the full package of demands and prepare for negotiations. PSAC has already served notice to bargain.
Women fighting for women’s issues
In one powerful demonstration of solidarity, every woman at the conference stepped up together to share their personal experiences regarding accessibility rights, harassment, discrimination, health and safety, and work-life balance.
“A lot of brave, first-time attendees got up to share their stories, and spoke from the heart,” said Brea Baresinkoff, CIU Second National Vice-President. “The experiences they shared were raw and personal, but they are the realities we face every day. It reminded us of all the bargaining demands that affect women and made it clear that if it’s an issue that affects women, it’s a women’s issue.”
Women made up more than half the delegates, with the women’s caucus providing a space to share experiences and reinforcing the importance of addressing these issues at the bargaining table.
What members can do now
Even at this early stage, member engagement strengthens the bargaining team and sends a clear message to the employer. You can:
- Talk with your coworkers about bargaining priorities and workplace challenges.
- Sign up for emails to receive the latest bargaining updates.
- Follow CIU on social media to stay connected.
Send a message to your bargaining team to share your experiences and show your support as they prepare for negotiations.
We will continue to share updates as bargaining progresses and how you can get involved at every stage.
If you have any questions, please contact your CIU branch president.
This article was first published on the PSAC website.
