A union representing 9000 Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) workers has secured a strike mandate from its membership. A strike could be called by the Public Service Alliance of Canada as early as June 6^th, 2024, though the two sides are engaged in mediation efforts.  

What You Need to Know  

While most CBSA union members, especially front-line officers, are covered under Canada’s essential services legislation, any strike or work actions may still result in cross-border and supply chain disruptions. Customs import and export operations are increasingly automated, however, imports that require further processing by CBSA officers may face additional delay in the event of any work action. 

Delays resulting from CBSA work actions may also drive a cascade effect as Canadian ports and other infrastructure struggle with freight and vehicle congestion. The international freight environment faces many existing challenges with the timely movement of cargo resulting from global port and routing disruptions. 

Importers, exporters and logistics partners are encouraged to carefully review their Canadian import and export operations to mitigate possible supply chain disruptions resulting from any work actions including a strike. Areas to focus on include: 

• Confirming that information provided to customs, either directly or indirectly, is complete and accurate 

• Ensuring that information and documentation is provided to carriers, customs brokers and/or forwarders as early as possible to minimize secondary (manual) cargo processing by the CBSA 

• Coordinating and confirming that all electronic customs filings are accepted by the CBSA in a timely manner, especially prior to cargo arriving to Canada 

• Scheduling cargo pick-up and delivery as early as possible prior to arrival at a Canadian port 

• Arranging cargo to arrive outside peak hours of port operations 

Delmar continues to monitor this situation closely. Pertinent information will be provided as it is made available.  

 

For additional information and assistance, please contact your local Delmar Representative.