The Vancouver Island tourism industry is watching nervously as the threat of job action looms over the border.
Last week, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the largest Canadian union for the public sector, announced that more than 9,000 members working for Canadian Border Services Agency could go on strike ahead of the busy summer season.
According to Destination Greater Victoria (DGV), tourism is an estimated $1.9 billion industry in the region, with more than three million visitors to the region annually, many of which come from abroad.
B次元官网网址淲e are hopeful that a resolution can be reached prior to any possible disruption,B次元官网网址� said DGV CEO Paul Nursey in a statement to Black Press. B次元官网网址淢any of these transportation companies servicing Victoria are considered essential services. In the event of any job action, we expect very little business impact due to essential service designations.B次元官网网址�
Between April and May, 96 per cent of PSAC members voted in favour of taking job action, and the union expects strike action could start in June, with mediation sessions scheduled to begin June 3.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e committed to reaching a fair contract that protects workers and improves working conditions for our members,B次元官网网址� said PSAC president Chris Aylward in a news release. B次元官网网址淎s summer travel season nears, we hope the Trudeau Liberal government is making these negotiations a top priority. The window to avert a strike is closing quickly.B次元官网网址�
According to FRS Clipper, which offers ferry travel between the United States and Victoria, they are hoping for the best, however they have plans in place if border service members do strike.
B次元官网网址淥ur guests and their travel experience will always be our priority. We continue to monitor the situation, hoping that a solution can still be found. Should the situation escalate, FRS Clipper will implement a contingency plan accordingly and communicate it to our travellers and partners,B次元官网网址� said Gordon Dirker, CEO for FRS ClipperB次元官网网址檚 U.S. entities.
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