Thousands of federal workers are on the picket line today as a dispute between the government and the Public Service Alliance of Canada drags on.
In what’s being called the largest strike action in Canadian history, some 155,000 federal public service agents walked off the job just after midnight. Picket lines have been set up at hundreds of locations across the country, including the Judy Lamarsh Building in Chatham.
Negotiations between PSAC and the Treasury Board began in June, 2021, but union officials say they reached an impasse in May, 2022.
Among the main sticking points are wages increases and provisions for working remotely.
“We truly hoped we wouldn’t be forced to take strike action, but we’ve exhausted every other avenue to reach a fair contract for Canada’s Federal Public Service workers,” said Chris Aylward, PSAC national president. “Now more than ever, workers need fair wages, good working conditions and inclusive workplaces. And it’s clear the only way we’ll achieve that is by taking strike action to show the government that workers can’t wait.”
Both the union and federal government have warned the strike could impact tax season with roughly 35,000 Canadian Revenue Agency workers involved. Border crossings, employment insurance, and passport applications could also be affected.
