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Senate Approves Stopgap Funding Bill to Prevent Government Shutdown

In a dramatic turn of events, the U.S. Senate passed a six-month funding bill just hours before a potential government shutdown. The bill, which faced significant opposition from Democrats, was approved with a 54-46 vote. The legislation now heads to President Donald Trump's desk for final approval. The funding measure, often referred to as a continuing resolution (CR), was a contentious issue, with Democrats criticizing it for lacking input from their party and for falling short on key priorities like healthcare and housing assistance. However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged his colleagues to support the bill, emphasizing that a government shutdown would have far-reaching consequences. Despite internal divisions, some Democrats sided with Republicans to ensure the bill's passage, prioritizing the avoidance of a shutdown over their reservations about the legislation. The decision has sparked debates within the Democratic Party, with some members expressing frustrati...

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A CBSA Strike Could Cause Major Delays at the Border: What You Need to Know

 


A CBSA Strike Could Cause Major Delays at the Border: What You Need to Know season kicks into gear, Canadians and visitors may find themselves waiting in long lines at the border due to a potential strike by workers at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Strike Mandate: More than 9,000 Public Service Alliance of Canada members who work for the CBSA, including border guards, have secured a strike mandate. This means they are authorized to take strike action if necessary.

  2. Mediation and Potential Strike Date: The two sides are scheduled to go into mediation on June 3, and the union will be in a position to strike as of June 6. The outcome of these negotiations will determine whether a strike occurs.

  3. Impact on Border Traffic: A CBSA strike could disrupt border traffic significantly. During a similar action three years ago, cross-border traffic was nearly brought to a standstill, causing major delays at airports and borders across the country. Given that $2.5 billion worth of goods crosses the border daily, any disruption could have economic consequences.

  4. Essential Services Designation: While 90% of front-line border officers are designated as essential, meaning they can’t stop working during a strike, there are still potential disruptions. Union members could use a tactic called “work-to-rule,” where they follow their job duties exactly as outlined in their contracts. This could lead to longer processing times at border crossings.

  5. Discipline and Discretion: The CBSA has stated that employees in essential services positions must provide uninterrupted border services and cannot intentionally slow down border processing. However, border workers have broad discretion when it comes to asking questions, which could impact the situation.

In summary, travelers should be aware of the possibility of delays at the border due to the CBSA strike. It’s essential to stay informed and plan accordingly to minimize any inconvenience during your travels. 

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