Rita Dabrowski, a border services officer based in Victoria, BC and member of the Customs and Immigration Union (CIU), knows firsthand the physical risks that come with her job. A series of injuries, surgeries, and relentless pain mark her nearly 25 years of service.  

"The longer I stay, the more cumulative the injuries will be," said Rita. "I want to retire with dignity, and as able-bodied as I can be. But I’m suffering more injuries as I get older, and those injuries are lasting longer.” 

That’s why national firefighters and members at the Canada Border Services Agency – public safety workers who put their lives on the line every day – are leading a campaign to retire with full benefits after 25 years of service (referred to as “25 and out"). It’s not just reasonable, it’s necessary. 

Jason Elder, a civilian firefighter for 18 years with the Department of National Defence in Suffield, Alberta. and a member of the Union of National Defence Employees (UNDE), echoes Dabrowski’s concerns. 

“I call it the ‘work until you die pension’ because with cancers and heart issues related to the occupation, people aren’t able to enjoy their retirement,” said Jason. “There’s a reason why most municipal fire departments have early — or equitable — retirement.” 

Most public safety workers in Canada already benefit from early retirement options, including most firefighters, air traffic controllers, RCMP constables, and operational employees at Correctional Service Canada. 

The government has committed to making legislative amendments to provide 25-and-out early retirement benefits in the last round of bargaining with FB members but has not yet implemented these changes.  

This is not an issue that can simply be resolved at the bargaining table because it requires updates to the Public Service Superannuation Act and Income Tax Act. That’s why PSAC and its components are intensifying our lobbying efforts for pension reform by sharing our members' stories and shining a light on the human impact. 

It’s time for the federal government to move forward with these long overdue changes to ensure public safety workers receive fair retirement benefits.