CANADA: The main union representing government workers in Canada prepared to strike, which caused delays in passport services, immigration, tax preparation, and access to federal buildings. 155,000 public employees went on strike earlier this week on Wednesday, according to their union.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) national president, Chris Aylward, expressed frustration at the lack of a contract for public employees, who have worked for 20 different government agencies since 2021.
They decided to strike by a wide margin due to a lack of pay, job security, and remote work. Union representatives claim that the two sides were in sharp disagreement on pay, job security, and remote work. Aylward believed that workers deserved fair pay and respectable working conditions, just like all other workers.
The greatest public sector strike in Canadian history, which has paralysed services ranging from immigration to tax returns, was ended on Monday when Canada and a union representing 120,000 federal employees reached an agreement for a new wage accord.
The union that covers both groups stated in a statement that more than 35,000 revenue agency workers who have been on strike since April 19 are expected to remain until Monday even though the 120,000 Treasury Board employees are scheduled to resume work.
The union is negotiating a new contract for 35,000 members at the Canada Revenue Agency, with the right to work from home, seniority in layoffs, and fair pay among their top unresolved issues. Negotiations will pick up with a new mandate.
The PSAC union, which has been in contract negotiations with the government since 2021, announced an unusually broad strike last month to increase pressure on the administration. The deal went beyond the employer’s initial offer.
There were delays and interruptions in services, including passport renewals, as a result of the staff shortfall at around two dozen government organisations.
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