OTTAWA — A recent survey indicates that employees at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) are among the least likely to recommend their workplaces. The 2024 Public Service Employee Survey assessed federal government employees' satisfaction regarding various aspects of their jobs, including leadership, well-being, and compensation.

The survey revealed that only 46 percent of respondents from CBSA and Indian Oil and Gas Canada considered their workplaces to be great. In comparison, 48 percent of CSIS employees and 49 percent from the Office of the Auditor General of Canada felt the same way. Overall, 67 percent of public servants across all departments reported positive experiences.

Jacqueline Roby, a spokesperson for CBSA, acknowledged that multiple factors influence employee experiences. She emphasized the agency's commitment to fostering a safe work environment and ensuring employees' rights to work free from harassment. However, the survey results suggest that CBSA employees reported lower satisfaction levels than the overall public service, particularly regarding work-life balance, job satisfaction, and recognition.

Mark Weber, national president of the Customs and Immigration Union, expressed that he was not surprised by the findings. He noted that CBSA often ranks at the bottom in employee satisfaction. "Things don’t really seem to change," Weber said, highlighting ongoing communication with the agency about workplace morale and necessary improvements. He criticized the agency's strict disciplinary measures and its tendency to spend significant resources contesting grievances instead of settling them.

Weber also mentioned frustrations among employees regarding the return-to-office mandate and the increased automation at border crossings. He pointed out that the agency is currently short-staffed and that management appears to be expanding unnecessarily.

In contrast, CSIS employees reported slightly better feelings of pride in their work, with 84 percent expressing positive sentiments. Additionally, 77 percent indicated they generally enjoy their jobs, aligning with the overall public service averages.

The Union of Safety and Justice Employees commented on the survey results, noting low morale among CSIS members. The union highlighted concerns about perceived unequal treatment between union and non-union employees and delays in implementing a collective agreement negotiated in 2022.

Eric Balsam, a spokesperson for CSIS, stated that the department values employee feedback and is committed to making improvements to ensure staff feel supported. He mentioned that CSIS is reviewing the survey results to identify strengths and areas needing attention.

On a positive note, the RCMP External Review Committee and the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada received perfect scores, with 100 percent of their employees recommending their workplaces. Additionally, Invest in Canada and the Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs Canada reported over 90 percent satisfaction among their staff.

The 2024 Public Service Employee Survey was conducted from October 28 to December 31, 2024, and included responses from more than 186,000 employees across 93 federal departments and agencies, achieving a response rate of 50.5 percent. The survey was administered by Statistics Canada in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.