Canada: 150,000 Government Workers Will Walk Out in Strike of a Pay Increase

A raise of 13.5% over three years, retroactive to 2021, is one of the demands made by the union. In response, the Canadian government offered a figure of 9% spread out over that time.

On Wednesday, the strike is scheduled to start, and it might last for several weeks or even months.

The final deadline of 9 p.m. in the discussion between the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Treasury Board of Canada, which employs government employees, passed without a conclusion. 155,000 federal workers will go on strike on Wednesday at midnight, according to PSAC.

Chris Aylward, president of PSAC at the national level, said, “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.”

One of the services that will be affected is immigration, which will have an impact on applicants like potential international students looking for study permits, those looking for temporary work documents, or those looking for permanent residency. For these categories, Indian nationals make up the largest country cohort.

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With nearly a third of the federal public service employees on strike, PSAC said in a statement on Tuesday night: “Canadians can expect to see slowdowns or a complete shutdown of services nationwide beginning tomorrow, including a complete halt to the tax season; disruptions to applications for employment insurance, immigration, and passports; interruptions to supply chains and international trade at ports; and slowdowns at the border with administrative staff.

A raise of 13.5% over three years, retroactive to 2021, is one of the demands made by the union. In response, the government offered a figure of 9% spread over that period.

Even after the strike starts, negotiations are anticipated to go on because, as Aylward stated, “We’re ready to reach a fair deal as soon as the government is ready to come to the table with a fair offer.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had earlier on Tuesday expressed optimism that a strike could be avoided.

Sum Up-

Over 150,000 Canadian government workers are scheduled to walk off the job this week in a show of strength over a pay issue. Members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the workers are asking for a pay increase of 3% annually. Only 1.5 percent has been offered so far by the government. The PSAC has stated that it is ready to take “whatever action is necessary” to secure a favourable agreement for its members. An all-out strike might be one option for this, which would halt a lot of government operations. The union is also requesting improvements to benefits and working conditions, such as paid parental leave.

On Wednesday, the strike is scheduled to start, and it might last for several weeks or even months.