“We’re fed up of Customs management balancing its budget on our backs, and we want to show support for our hundreds of Sisters and Brothers from across Quebec who will be protesting today in Montreal,” said Don Davoren, President, CEUDA’s Alberta and District Branch.

“Customs Officers are the police force at our borders,” said Ron Moran, CEUDA National President, “and they want to be paid for what they’re doing.  No one wants to work for the federal government in a law enforcement capacity on a volunteer basis and Customs Officers are no exception.”  He adds, “We’ve heard their call for fair pay and parity for more than four years running and it’s simply time for their employer to heed their call too.”   

Government must address the inequity of pay faced by Customs Officers.  Until that is done, Canadians, international travellers to Canada, and truckers entering Canada with cargo, had better be patient, it’s going to be a long, hot summer, as Customs Officers across Canada promise the number and frequency of protests will escalate. 

While CEUDA and its members express regret for any inconvenience, affected parties are urged to contact their local Member of Parliament to express their views.

When
Thursday, June 17, 2004

Who
Don Davoren, President, CEUDA’s Alberta and District Branch
Dozens of Customs Officers working at the Coutts Border Crossing, as well as at the Calgary and the Edmonton International Airports