If an agreement on pay and other demands is not reached with the government, more than 155,000 public employees in Canada will go on strike on Wednesday, according to their union.
Since 2021, there has been no contract for these government employees, who are spread among more than 20 ministries, including the Canada Revenue Agency. They overwhelmingly decided to strike last week.
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According to union representatives, the two parties disagree greatly on pay, job security, and remote work.
Chris Aylward, national president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), told a news conference;
These workers -– like all workers –- deserve fair wages and decent working conditions. Despite some progress at the bargaining table, our members are frustrated that while negotiations drag on, they continue to fall behind
We’ve already been at the table for nearly two years, and these workers can’t wait any longer. That’s why we’re setting a clock on this round of bargaining
If a deal is not reached by 9 pm (0100 GMT) Tuesday, a national general strike will be called starting at 12:01 am Wednesday.
The PSAC is dwarfed by the larger Canadian Union of Public Employees, but a strike by its members would still be disruptive.
Canadians have been warned to anticipate delays in the processing of income tax returns, immigration and asylum requests, passport applications, and foreign worker permits in the event that PSAC employees go on strike.
Additionally impacted will be new requests for veteran benefits and consular services.
