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| Possible border delays during strike action |
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(Windsor, September 29, 2004)… The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) scheduled a strike demonstration to take place at the Ambassador Bridge, Windsor, Ontario today (September, 29, 2004), which may disrupt flow of traffic into Canada from the USA.
As well, the Customs Excise Union Douanes Accise (CEUDA), which includes Customs inspectors and the administrative and program staff at the Canada Border Services Agency, will be in a legal strike position after October 6, 2004. The exact date is not known at this time.
The following information has been provided by the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers (CSCB):
“CEUDA members are dissatisfied that their job classifications and pay scales have not been adjusted to reflect changes made to their role four years ago, when they were charged with enforcing Criminal Code provisions.
Customs inspectors, while union members, are designated as having exempt status and are not permitted to engage in a strike. They cannot stop work and strike – but they can support those who are striking by joining legal picket lines before and after work, and during lunch breaks. As well, CEUDA members can engage in picketing at border points during their days off.
Non-striking employees, such as Customs inspectors, must report to work during a strike, but they may request accompaniment by a police officer across picket lines; if they feel intimidated and do not wish to cross picket lines and police accompaniment is not available, they are not required to cross the picket line.
Three types of strike action may be used:
- rotating strike – a series of surprise stoppages that can last for up to one day in length at strategically important locations.
- strategic strike – work stoppage by a limited number of employees at a limited number of locations; strategic strikes are designed to have maximum impact on the employers operations.
- general strike – cessation of work by all eligible CEUDA members”.
Strike updates will be provided as they become available.
For more information, please call (905) 882-4880, Brian Rowe, General Manager – Customs Consulting Services.
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