Miles-long big rig backups reported as Canadian border patrol goes on work slowdown

Serious commercial vehicle traffic backups were reported on Friday morning at the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit and at other locations after Canadian border agents went on a work slowdown.

At 6 a.m. on Friday morning, nearly 9000 Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) workers began a “work-to-rule action” as union members attempt to force the government back to the bargaining table to gain better wages and protections for employees. CBSA workers have operated without a contract since 2017.

During the work slowdown, workers will reportedly continue to fulfill their duties, but with fewer lanes open, more questioning, and more frequent inspections. Border workers are reportedly being instructed to ask travelers every question in the manual before allowing them to cross.

The Ambassador Bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario to Detroit, Michigan, has seen massive impact from the work action so far today, with miles long commercial vehicle backups reported on I-75 as truckers are forced to wait to cross the border.

Major delays have also been reported at the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron.

The work action comes just days before Canadian officials plan to reopen borders to vaccinated Americans traveling for leisure for the first time since March 2020 when the COVID-19 crisis began.