The Customs and Immigration Union has been aware since 2007 that a pilot project is taken place in Montreal, QC to address the issue of CR/AS job descriptions. It was brought about by the fact that there were 185 job descriptions that covert various support staff positions nationally. These description have followed the now CBSA throughout its legacy evolution. Most of these job descriptions have been identified as inaccurate, obsolete, out-of-date and not reflective of duties performed by those members.

The Support Staff Community and CIU have been very frustrated with the slow approach and disregard apparent in this process. CIU has been approached by numerous CR/AS members seeking an expedient and fair resolve to their job description and classification issues. Many of these members feel this is also an equity issue due to the fact its predominantly a female dominated group. CIU is looking into this as also being a Human Rights issue.

Due to these facts, CIU, at its April 2010 National Board of Directors, was mandated to create a subcommittee specifically designed to investigate this issue and develop a strategic plan to assist and motivate our membership. The Interim Support Staff Subcommittee has already met on June 8 and 9, 2010 to initiate a campaign and strategy. The Subcommittee also met with CBSA Headquarters’ Human Resources and expressed its discontent for the lack of respect for the support staff.

In addition to the subcommittee meeting, the National Vice-President of Human Resources for CIU and Chair of the Interim Support Staff Subcommittee, at the June10th NLMCC’s meeting, expressed tp Stephen Rigby, president of CBSA, the need for immediate concern and action in resolving this issue for the Support Staff Community. President Rigby added it as a standing agenda item and gave CIU a philosophical commitment.

We ask that in the files, should you hear about or be asked to sign any job description, please advise your Branch President immediately in writing. We also ask that if you have any questions or concern pertaining to this issue, that you please contact your Branch President in writing as well. Your Branch President is your main contact concerning this issue.

Later this summer, your Branch President will be distributing campaign material and we ask that you proudly and loudly share and make visible your discontent. CIU will be asking for your support in various mobilization efforts to get our message across. The Subcommittee will begin with slogan material and stickers. It is also considering demonstrations and rallies in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and Headquarters (Ottawa Region). You will be advised of details and of bus/transportation arrangements in due time. The Subcommittee plans to meet before the end of the summer and all new information will be posted on the website.

In solidarity,

Carmen Filice
Chair, Interim Support Staff Sub-Committee
Second National Vice=President

NATIONAL OFFICE MEMO NO-16-2010

Interim Support Staff Sub-Committee