After failing to reach an agreement on increased pay and work-from-home assurances, over 155,000 federal employees in Canada went on strike on Wednesday.
This strike has impacted a number of public services, including the processing of tax returns and passport renewals.
Negotiations Between Federal Govt and PSAC Ongoing
Negotiations between the federal government and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) union are stated to be ongoing, and Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized the need for a quick resolution to the conflict.
As per Trudeau, “I know that Canadians will not be terribly patient if it continues too long.”
Large walkouts by civil servants are unusual in Canada, according to PSAC, and this strike is the biggest against a single employer in the country’s history.
Few Hundred Workers On Strike
On one of 250 picket lines around the nation, striking workers demonstrated and waved union flags in front of Trudeau’s office in Ottawa. A few hundred people were participating in a procession on the grass in front of the legislature across the street.
The union, which has been in contract negotiations since 2021, had set a deadline for a resolution of 9 p.m. ET (0100 GMT) on Wednesday.
PSAC President Chris Aylward assured jubilant picketers that talks were continuing but said, “We’re going to stay out here as long as it takes.” In addition to pay, PSAC wants the new contract to acknowledge the right to work remotely.
President of the Treasury Board Mona Fortier urged PSAC to reach an agreement, saying, “We cannot write a blank cheque.”
More Than 35000 Employees Affected
More than 35,000 employees of revenue agencies and 120,000 of those employed by the Treasury Board are the subjects of the contract negotiations.
Since the majority of tax returns have a filing deadline at the end of the month, the strike will have an impact on many federal services and may cause refund delays. Prior to the busiest travel season of the summer, passport renewals are also expected to see difficulties.
The Canadian Grain Commission is “significantly impacted” by the strike, according to the commission, which also affects around 65% of its staff, including most inspectors of grain leaving ports. Canada is a significant exporter of canola and wheat.
In a statement, the federal government claimed that it had made a “fair, competitive offer to the PSAC,” which included a 9% pay rise spread over three years, and that it would carry on with talks to quickly reach an understanding.
