Discontent at Canada’s Border Services Agency

A recent survey paints a concerning picture of employee satisfaction within Canada’s federal public services, revealing that workers at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) rate their workplaces among the least favorable in the country.

Survey Insights: A Deep Dive into Employee Morale

The 2024 Public Service Employee Survey, which included responses from over 186,000 federal workers across 93 departments, found that only 46% of CBSA employees would recommend their workplace as a "great place to work." This dissatisfaction is mirrored at CSIS, where a mere 48% of respondents felt similarly.

Leadership and Work-Life Balance Under Scrutiny

The survey not only highlighted low recommendation scores but also revealed a troubling trend: CBSA employees reported feeling worse than their peers in terms of work-life balance, job satisfaction, and recognition for their hard work. The organization's leadership is receiving criticism for its handling of employee concerns.

Union Voices Concern Over Workplace Conditions

Mark Weber, president of the Customs and Immigration Union, was unsurprised by the findings. He noted that CBSA often ranks at the bottom in job satisfaction metrics and highlighted ongoing issues, such as heavy-handed disciplinary measures and frustration over return-to-office mandates. Weber lamented that despite ongoing discussions about workplace morale, little progress has been made.

CSIS Workers: Pride in Their Role Despite Challenges

Interestingly, although CSIS employees reported low workplace happiness, 84% expressed pride in their work. This indicates a complex relationship between job satisfaction and the nature of their responsibilities.

Comparison with Other Federal Agencies

In stark contrast, the RCMP External Review Committee and the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada achieved a perfect score, with 100% of employees recommending their workplaces. Investments in Canada and the Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs Canada also fared well, with over 90% satisfaction rates.

Looking Forward: A Call for Improvement

As federal agencies strive for improvement, representatives from both CBSA and CSIS acknowledged the survey’s insights and emphasized their commitment to addressing employee concerns. However, the path to increasing morale appears challenging, with many employees yearning for meaningful changes that prioritize their well-being.