Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

Commissionaires at Library Square working for Immigration Canada sign up with union, seek safety improvements at workplace

VANCOUVER - Commissionaires working at Vancouver’s Library Square on contract with Immigration Canada have signed up to join a union and are seeking safety improvements at their workplace.

The Commissionaires, who provide assistance and security to the public, have signed cards to become members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada,a union that represents Commissionaires across the country.

Kay Sinclair, PSAC’s BC Regional Executive Vice President, said the union has filed an application to the BC Labour Relations Board for certification.

“One of the main reasons these workers are seeking union protection is safety,” Sinclair said. “They are required to work in potentially violent situations and yet are provided no safety equipment or adequate training.”

“Currently they work along side officers and staff of the department who are trained and provided equipment such as bulletproof vests. Yet the Commissionaires are provided nothing and often required to perform potentially hazardous assignments such as searching and restraining detainees,” she said.

A certification vote of the members took place on Friday, but the ballot box has been sealed by the Board, pending further adjudication.

“We have very strong support from the membership and are expecting the Labour Relations Board ordered vote will be successful, after which we will begin negotiations with the employer,” said Sinclair.