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CIU National Human Rights Representative receives King Charles III’s Coronation Medal

The Canada Border Services Agency recently announced that John Bay — a border officer hailing from Akwesasne, and CIU’s very own National Human Rights Representative — was one of the recipients of the King Charles III’s Coronation Medal.

The Coronation Medal is awarded to a person who has “made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada, or [has] made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.”

John Bay has long been instrumental in the work to heal the relationship between CBSA and the Akwesasne community. Through his actions, he has helped to foster a positive dialogue. As a CBSA Indigenous Advisor, he has played a key role in providing important guidance to the Agency on the long road to reconciliation with First Nations people.

We are proud to have John Bay as CIU’s Human Rights Representative, and we are pleased to see his contributions recognized through this award. We join CBSA in congratulating him for receiving this prestigious medal. At a time when the Agency’s decision to do away with Regional Indigenous Affairs Advisors positions calls into question its commitment to reconciliation, we hope the honour bestowed upon John will encourage CBSA to reconsider. This achievement should serve as a reminder to the Agency of the importance of continuing to rely on trained, dedicated advisors whose work is key in building a better country.

Day of Mourning: No job is worth a life

On April 28, Canada marks the National Day of Mourning to remember workers who have been hurt, made sick, or lost their lives because of their jobs. This year, PSAC and Canada’s unions are calling on governments and employers to do more to protect workers –especially from dangers we can’t always see.

Health and safety at work isn’t just about what’s right in front of us. Many job hazards are invisible, like breathing in harmful chemicals or being exposed to traumatic events. These can lead to serious health problems that don’t always show on the outside. That’s why this year, unions are shining a light on these hidden hazards. There’s an urgent need for both stronger safety regulations and better enforcement to protect workers.

In 2023, more than 1,000 workers died in work-related incidents in Canada, and over 274,000 people missed time at work because of an injury, an increase from the previous year. The numbers show that too many people are still being hurt at work in preventable incidents.

This isn’t just about accidents – it’s about systems that are failing workers. Too often, safety takes a back seat to profits. But that needs to change. The cost of doing nothing is too high and is shouldered by workers.

On this National Day of Mourning, we remember those we’ve lost, and we promise to keep fighting for those still on the job. We’re calling on employers, politicians, and all Canadians to make safety a priority. Let’s make sure every worker is protected – because no job is worth a life.

This article was first published on the PSAC website.

Conservatives pledge to hire more border officers, allow them to patrol

The Conservative Party of Canada has released a comprehensive border plan as part of its election commitments, pledging to undertake a number of measures to strengthen Canada’s borders, including hiring 2,000 new officers and allowing our members to do their job across the breadth of the border, not just at ports of entry.

The Customs and Immigration Union welcomes the CPC’s pledge to hire new officers — which would effectively restore CBSA positions eliminated during the Harper years. How this may be affected by the CPC’s proposed reductions to the public service through attrition — which could reach 17,000 per year — remains to be seen.

Also very positive is the commitment to authorize border officers to fulfill their duties at and between ports of entry. With the NDP and the Bloc, this means three of the main federal parties have now made it clear that allowing our members to patrol between ports in addition to the RCMP should be a priority.

While the commitment to install new technology such as scanners at ports of entry is positive, it is unfortunate that part of the Conservative plan points to a militarization of the border with the deployment of military helicopters and surveillance towers. The primary focus should be on building a sustainable, properly staffed border infrastructure that relies on the unique expertise of border officers, putting workers first. Beyond hiring new border officers, any long-term solution also needs to take into consideration adequate training facilities, which is absent from the CPC’s current border plan.

Worrisome plan for public sector

CIU is disappointed to note that also absent from the Conservative platform is a commitment to support legislation to make ‘25 and out’ a reality for our members.  Supporting pension reform would signal that the CPC recognizes the demanding nature of the work performed by our members.

Beyond the lack of clear support for ‘25 and out’, the Conservative Party’s plan for the public sector, as outlined in the party’s Policy Declaration, is generally worrisome, from proposed cuts to public sector pensions (including our members’) by moving from a defined benefit model to a defined contribution model (Article 33 of the Policy Declaration, p.10), to threats to core Canadian union principles such as the RAND formula (Article 17 of the Policy Declaration, p.6).

Read the full CPC election plan here.

NDP highlights clear commitment to border security, public services: More officers, new training facilities, expanded mandate

The Customs and Immigration Union is glad to see the New Democratic Party confirm its commitment to bolstering Canada’s border services as part of its Made for People. Built for Canada plan released on April 19.

Echoing the announcement made last fall, the NDP’s election commitment to border security is clear: “We would hire thousands of new border officers and give them the right to stop border crossers in between regular ports of entry – to strengthen the border and stop guns before they get into Canada. We will also build a new training centre for Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers in Windsor.”

Source: https://www.ndp.ca/campaign-commitments#pillar6

 

Building additional training facilities is crucial to ensure Canada’s border services are properly staffed in order to meet existing and emerging border challenges. While other parties have committed to hiring additional border officers, the NDP is the only party with a clear plan that would make it possible to increase training output, facilitating the hiring of additional personnel.

The announcement also addresses another key CIU demand: Allowing our members to act between ports of entry to help stem the flow of dangerous drugs and firearms and protect Canadian communities.

By focusing on hiring more officers, boosting the training capacity of Canada’s border services, and allowing border officers to act outside of ports of entry, the NDP proposes a much-needed worker-focused approach to border security.

No cuts to public services

The NDP’s plan also includes a commitment to reject cuts: “New Democrats are rejecting calls for cuts to the public sector and to social programs – cuts which would be made to reach a budgetary balance in the short-term, despite the costs and the consequences for people.”

Combined with the NDP’s steadfast advocacy in favour of ’25 and out’ pension reform, the pledge to reject cuts shows a serious commitment to workers rights and public sector employees, including our own members.

Read the full commitments here.

CBSA’s new National Joint Council Travel Directive interpretation

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.

PSAC denounces election pledges to defund equity, diversity and inclusion in Canada’s public service

Sharon DeSousa, PSAC National president, shared insights on this election issue at the 2025 Progress Summit

PSAC strongly opposes pledges by both the Conservatives and Bloc Québécois this federal election to defund equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives in the federal public service.

On the campaign trail, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has repeatedly promised to target what he labels “woke ideology” in both Canada’s public service and through funding for academic research.

At the same time, Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet’s party platform proposes to abolish equity, diversity and inclusion in the federal public service’s hiring practices if elected, claiming they create exclusion and aren’t suited to the realities of Quebec and other regions.

“Canada’s strength lies in a truly diverse public service – one that lifts everyone up,” said Sharon DeSousa, PSAC National President. “These discriminatory practices are fundamentally wrong and aim to divide us when we should be united.”

Equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives are vital to ensure Canada’s public service reflects all the people it serves. When the government’s workforce is representative, critical programs and services are designed with every individual in mind and can respond to everyone’s unique needs.

PSAC is calling on all federal parties to put forward platforms that will strengthen Canada’s public services and support the people who deliver them. “We have already seen the widespread harm caused by Trump’s attacks on DEI initiatives, workers’ rights and public services in the US,” said DeSousa. “Political parties pushing the same agenda will destroy Canada’s essential services – our safety net – putting families and marginalized people at risk.”

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

PSAC welcomes Liberal leader Mark Carney’s commitments to frontline workers and border security

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Customs and Immigration Union (CIU) welcomes the Liberal Party’s renewed commitment to provide equitable retirement benefits for thousands of frontline federal workers. Today, Liberal Leader Mark Carney announced plans to strengthen Canada’s border security through new investments, to hire 1,000 additional border services officers, and additional equipment to be supplied to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), should they form government following the election.

The Trudeau government previously committed to implementing equitable retirement to thousands of frontline federal workers, including border services staff and firefighters before the government was prorogued.

“These commitments reflect a clear recognition of the critical role our members play in keeping people in Canada safe and securing our borders,” said Sharon DeSousa, PSAC National President. “Equitable retirement for frontline workers has been a longstanding priority for thousands of frontline PSAC members.”

PSAC has long called for early retirement eligibility for frontline workers in line with other law enforcement and public safety roles across the country. The Liberals’ commitment would allow frontline federal workers to retire with dignity after 25 years of service without penalties, a significant victory for unions and workers who have been advocating for fair pension treatment for more than a decade.

While the announcement to recruit 1,000 additional CBSA officers is a necessary step forward, PSAC and CIU will also continue to push the government to meet the staffing needs of CBSA, and commit to the construction of additional training facilities to respond to emerging challenges at Canada’s borders.

We also welcome investments in new tools like scanners, drones, and canine units to support the vital work our members do every day to secure Canada’s borders.

“CIU is pleased to see the Liberal Party take CBSA staffing requirements seriously,” said Customs and Immigration Union President Mark Weber. “Ultimately, putting in place a sustainable staffing plan is crucial in the face of emerging border challenges, and we urge all parties to also consider the urgent need for additional training facilities to better meet current and future staffing pressures.”

PSAC calls on all political parties to support this long-overdue pension reform and these necessary investments as part of their election commitments.

We will continue to advocate for an expanded scope of eligibility for early retirement, additional resources to secure Canada’s borders, and the rapid introduction of the legislation following the election.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

Bloc Québécois proposes sweeping border measures

In a far-reaching announcement*, the Bloc Québécois proposed on April 10 a series of sweeping measures to address a range of shortcomings within Canada’s border services infrastructure.

Most striking is the proposal to create a new Border Ministry to oversee CBSA and improve the management of Canada’s border services. While it is too early to comment in detail on this proposal as little is known about what such restructuring would entail for the frontline, it is clear that improving how our border services are managed must be a priority considering current border challenges. It is no secret that there is a significant disconnect between the Agency’s upper echelons and the frontline. Border officers work hard to keep the country safe, and they deserve that those managing the border understand the realities in the field.

Particularly well received by the union are other proposals by the Bloc Québécois that directly address many of CIU’s demands, notably:

  • Expanding the mandate of border services officers to allow them to patrol between ports of entry along with the RCMP;
  • Increasing CBSA staffing levels;
  • Reversing the reduction of hours of service at ports of entry;
  • More focus on rail inspections.

While we would also have liked to see a clear commitment in this announcement in support of the implementation of 25 and out for our members, CIU applauds the Bloc Québécois for taking note of many of the key points which our union has advocated for over the years. This announcement, along with the Bloc’s recent response to our letter regarding labour rights, demonstrates a real understanding of both border and labour issues. We invite other parties to take note.

*Link in French only.

CIU welcomes Liberal Party renewed commitment to “25 and out”

Today, as part of its new action plan, the Liberal Party recommitted to amending the Public Service Superannuation Act to expand early retirement eligibility for frontline workers, including border services officers.

The Customs and Immigration Union is glad to see the Liberal Party and Prime Minister Carney reiterate this commitment. Earlier this year, Minister of Public Safety David McGuinty had made clear that “25 and out” was a priority for the government, although the only avenue to implement the required changes was through legislative measures passed by Parliament. Today’s announcement reinforces this commitment, and we look forward to the implementation of these measures when Parliament reconvenes after the elections.

Additional resources for the border

As part of today’s announcement, the Liberal Party also proposed to train 1,000 additional CBSA officers, and to add new resources at the border “to target more suspicious shipments at [Canada’s] land borders, ports, and railyards”. CIU is pleased to see the Liberal Party take CBSA staffing requirements seriously. Ultimately, putting in place a sustainable staffing plan is crucial in the face of emerging border challenges, and we urge all parties to also consider the urgent need for additional training facilities to better meet current and future staffing pressures.

Protecting the labour rights of Canadians: Responses from federal parties

On April 1, we wrote to the leaders of the main federal parties — the Liberal Party of Canada, the Conservative Party of Canada, Canada’s New Democratic Party, the Bloc Québécois, and the Green Party of Canada — to ask them to commit to safeguarding Canada’s labour rights and protections, including:

  • Collective bargaining rights for all Canadian unionized workers.
  • The right to unionize for all Canadian workers.
  • The Rand formula — the foundation of modern Canadian labour relations and collective bargaining.
  • Public sector pensions — ensuring that the defined benefit pensions federal public service workers have been working toward remain intact.

We have now started to receive responses from the different parties, and we are sharing them here to help our members have all the information they need to make an informed choice when it comes to these important union and labour-related issues. We will be adding new responses as they come in.

Bloc Québécois — Received 2025-04-04

The Bloc Québécois was the first party to respond to our letter, answering each key points clearly and directly by taking a strong stance in favour of protecting collective bargaining rights, the right to unionize, the Rand formula, and public sector pensions.

Highlights:

  • “The Bloc Québécois has always been receptive to the demands of the Customs and Immigration Union, supporting a number of measures put forward by the union, such as increasing staffing levels and allowing CBSA officers to patrol outside border crossings.”
  • “[…] we have systematically opposed any special measure aimed at legislating unionised workers back to work. We believe that job action by employees is important in order to reach a balance of power across the table, otherwise the playing field would be tilted steeply in favour of the employer.”
  • “The right to unionize is a fundamental right […] We will stand against any attempt to interfere with this right.”
  • “[…] the Bloc Québécois has always advocated for the Rand formula. As all workers benefit from the gains made by unions, we believe it is only appropriate that everyone pay union dues. We are aware that a number of Conservative groups would like the Rand formula to be abolished, resulting in an erosion of union bargaining power. But we will continue to oppose any attempt to restrict it.”
  • “[…] we will go on supporting defined benefit pension plans for public sector workers, and consequently, for your members.”

Read the full response here (translated from the original French). We also invite you to read our post about the Bloc’s commitments regarding border security.

Liberal Party — Response to come

No response as of April 23, 2025. In the meantime, we invite you to read our reaction to the LPC’s commitments regarding border services.

Conservative Party — Response to come

No response as of April 23, 2025. In the meantime, we invite you to read our reaction to the CPC’s commitments regarding border security.

NDP — Response to come

No response as of April 23, 2025. In the meantime, we invite you to read our reaction to the NDP’s commitments regarding border security.

Green Party — Response to come

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