http://www.tbsource.com/Localnews/index.asp?cid=86113

Border guards protest
Tb News Source
Web Posted: 8/25/2006 7:47:03 PM
An on-going dispute between Canadian border guards and the federal government over the right to carry firearms has caused a disruption at the Pigeon River border crossing

The Canadian Border Services Agency confirms seven of its staff members walked off the job Thursday citing safety concerns.

The action came following receipt of an armed and dangerous alert received from U.S. officials regarding two Texas men wanted on weapons and theft charges who had been spotted in northern Wisconsin.

Border Services spokesperson Chris Kealey says seven border guards at the Sault Ste Marie crossing also walked off the job after receipt of the same warning. Kealey says the incidents prompted an investigation of the work refusal by Labour Canada, which concluded the workers were in no imminent danger.

The Pigeon River guards returned to work around eight o'clock Thursday night after a walkout that lasted six hours. Kealey says supervisory personnel filled their jobs during the walkout and there was no noticeable disruption in service for travelers.

Because of higher traffic volumes, the Sault crossing was closed temporarily and delays of up to a half an hour were experienced. The Sault Ste Marie guards also walked off the job again Friday following another armed and dangerous warning, this one involving a New York State man. This time, the walkout lasted about four hours, with similar delays for travellers.