Federal law enforcement personnel gather to protest Bill C-59 and defend workers’ rights

Members of the Customs and Immigration Union, the Component Union of the Public Service Alliance of Canada that represents over 1,600 workers at the Canadian Border Services Agency in BC, are travelling from locations across the Lower Mainland and Southern Interior to leaflet and rally against Bill C-59 on Thursday, June 4 at 10 AM at Deltaport.

PSAC/CIU members working at CBSA are holding actions across Canada on June 4, calling on the government to respect the constitutional rights of federal employees.

• Date: Thursday, June 4, 2015
• Time: 10AM to 12PM
• Location: Deltaport Way at 41B Street overpass, Delta

Bill C-59, the federal Budget Implementation Act, authorizes Treasury Board to modify collective agreements outside of the bargaining process and undermines the current round of collective bargaining with federal public sector unions.

“I’ve heard loud and clear from our members – they are not happy about this government’s bullying behavior,” says Don Turner, CIU Branch 20045 President, “The Supreme Court has ruled the right to collective bargaining is protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, yet the government is turning back the clock, acting in bad faith, and have decided to legislate their way into getting what they want.”

“Our action on Thursday will send a message to CBSA and to the government. We are deeply concerned by the government’s actions and will defend our fundamental right under the Charter to engage in fair collective bargaining.” says Jessica Kerek, CIU Branch 20040 President, “We work hard as federal law enforcement personnel to keep our communities safe. We call on the Harper government to respect our Charter rights, respect the work that we do and negotiate with us in good faith.”

For more information: Patrick Bragg, PSAC Communications, cell: (778) 889 3486