In December 2012, many Border Services Officers (BSO) across Canada exercised their right to refuse dangerous work. These BSOs alleged that CBSA’s new, ill-conceived name tag policy forcing them to wear ID tags showing their names placed them at a higher risk of being harassed, threatened or injured by persons who may be angered as a result of enforcement actions taken against them.
A Health & Safety Officer (HSO) from Labour Programs, Employment and Social Development Canada, investigated the work refusals and, while finding “no danger”, issued a direction ordering CBSA to take preventative measures to address assessed hazards associated with the implementation of the new name tag policy into various workplaces nationwide.
CBSA, in its typically arrogant ways, decided to ignore the HSO direction, and appealed it to the Occupational Safety and Health Tribunal.
The Tribunal hearings occurred the week of December 12, 2013. After nearly 8 months of waiting, the Tribunal issued an excellent decision … favouring BSO safety and reminding CBSA that it has to do a better job protecting its employees.
The decision quashes CBSA’s appeal and confirms the direction issued by a HSO.
CIU applauds its members for exercising their rights, thanks the PSAC, and expresses its gratitude to the HSO and to the Tribunal for supporting BSO safety.
We are now examining the decision and assessing all options for next steps.
Note: The decision will be posted & distributed once the French version is available after translation.
On June 6, 7 and 8, CIU National President Jean-Pierre Fortin and CIU delegates attended the 8th PSAC-Quebec Triennial Convention, in Beaupré. Sister Magali Picard (first on the left) was reelected Regional Executive Vice-President by acclamation.
Today the federal government launches the National Public Service Week. PSAC and CIU have boycotted it, but it doesn’t mean we are staying silent. Cuts to public services are having a negative effect on Canadians from all walks of life. Watch our new video featuring PSAC members take a stand against the cuts.
CIU National President Jean-Pierre Fortin met yesterday with Sister Gail Lem, PSAC negotiator for the PA group.
They took advantage of their meeting to establish a PSAC-CIU communication protocol that will ensure all PA bargaining updates reach the membership.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of our fallen Brothers, Peace Officers in Moncton. We pray for the safety of our members from New Brunswick, their community and those who work on the ground to protect the lives of Canadians.
You can make a donation or buy a “Moncton Proud” t-shirt for which all proceeds go to the children of the fallen officers.
