Tentative deal reached in Canada border worker dispute

FILE PHOTO: Canadian border

TORONTO (Reuters) - The union representing thousands of Canadian border workers said on Tuesday that it had reached a tentative deal with the federal government, averting a strike that could have slowed traffic at airports and Canada-United States border crossings.

The union said members would get details of the deal on Thursday with a ratification vote in the coming days.

The government said the deal included "wage enhancements and other benefits" but would not share details pending ratification.

“This tentative agreement demonstrates that the best agreements are always reached at the bargaining table," Treasury Board President Anita Anand said in a statement.

"Border Services employees are critical to the safety and security of our borders and this tentative agreement recognizes the importance of that work while remaining reasonable for taxpayers."

(Reporting by Anna Mehler Paperny, editing by David Ljunggren and Aurora Ellis)