Agri-Pulse reports:
More than 9,000 Canada Border Services Agency workers have paused any strike action until Friday to allow continued negotiations with the Canadian government. If bargaining fails, the Public Service Alliance of Canada union will set a new strike deadline after two years without a contract.
The government says 90% of border officials are essential and cannot strike, but supply chain slowdowns for passenger and truck freight would still be likely, as the union has said it would “work to rule” – in other words, no more than called for by the contract.
The U.S. supplies 37% of Canada’s imported fruit and 75% of its vegetables via refrigerated truck freight, which could put perishable products in danger if they can’t be delivered on time.
Detroit, Port Huron, and Buffalo are the top U.S. truck ports for freight with Canada.
Meanwhile: Strikes could be brewing at Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City. Teamsters Canada Rail Conference turned down offers from the companies, and now the parties are seeking clarification from Canada’s Industrial Relations Board on what constitutes a continuation of activities during a work stoppage.
