Work-to-rule action “will have a far greater impact on Canada’s critical supply chain” than full strike, Border Service admits

Photo: Public Service Alliance Canada

“This is our opportunity to cause significant disruptions.”

Public Service Alliance Canada

“During a work-to-rule, we’re asking you to obey all of the policies, procedures and laws applying to your work, and to perform your duties to ‘the letter of the law.’ Don’t work during your breaks or unpaid lunches. Don’t work past your scheduled work hours. Ask every question in your manual at ports of entry.

“This may cause long and unavoidable delays at Canada’s borders, but we know you take pride in your work and will rely on your discretion to not cut any corners while performing your duties.”

Detailing the motive behind PSAC’s strategy, the statement goes on to note that “Beginning August 6, there won’t be picket lines organized at worksites. That’s because work-to-rule action will have a far greater impact on Canada’s critical supply chain and the federal government’s plans to reopen the border to U.S. travelers on August 9.

“There’s no doubt our job action will result in slower processing and longer wait times. While unfortunate for travelers and commercial shipping, the blame rests squarely with Treasury Board, CBSA and the government for their inaction, disrespect and chronic understaffing.”

Travellers hoping to cross the border during the strike action should expect exhaustive exchanges with CBSA agents: “All duties relating to the safety and security of Canada are essential and, in fact, should be done with greater diligence and in line with all enforcement manuals and legislation.”

Canadians concerned about the financial status of PSAC members during the strike action will be relieved to know that they will experience no loss of salary during this first step: “During a work-to-rule, you will not receive strike pay because all FB members will remain at work for their regularly scheduled shifts and in your typical roles. Therefore for this first stage, there will be no loss of salary.”

However, the statement goes on to read, “This is just the first step in our strike activities. Other types of strikes, including a general strike, rotating strikes and strategic strikes, are all options under consideration for the next phases as we ramp up our strike action. Only then will essential and non-essential designations come into play.”