Long-simmering frustrations with the safety of the Walpole Island customs office led Canadian customs officers to refuse to work on Sunday morning, the second work refusal by border guards in the past three weeks.
Sunday’s work refusal temporarily prevented the ferry from bringing cars and people into Canada. The issue was resolved by Sunday afternoon.
There have been several issues during the past few years which were compounded during the past few months, said Mike Coene, president of the Customs and Immigration Union Local 19 that represents Walpole Island border officers.
Officers have concerns about lead exposure, a septic tank and washrooms and an inadequate detention cell, he said. Sunday’s work refusal was the second in the past three weeks, Coene said.
“It has compounded to the point where it couldn’t be resolved internally with our management.”
Officers have the right to refuse unsafe work under the Canada Labour Code, something Coene said is a “last resort.”
Coene said the work refusal will get investigated and Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) management will try to resolve the issues.
The frustrations with conditions at the Walpole Island customs office are with a third-party contractor involved with the ferry as well as with CBSA with certain infrastructure issues, Coene said.
“They’re both involved and some of the problems haven’t been resolved.”
The border officers have no other choice other than to refuse work, Coene said.
“They regret the inconvenience to the public, but their safety is paramount.”
from Chatham Daily News http://bit.ly/2IAnM3u
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