More than 155-thousand public servants went on strike as of 12:01AM Wednesday morning, for more money and clarity around remote work arrangements.
Chris Aylward, National President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, spoke with media, after an agreement had not been reached by the union’s 9 p.m. deadline Tuesday.
PSAC has been in bargaining for almost two years. Aylward says their issues at the bargaining table, still have not been addressed by the employer.
Both the union and the government have said a walkout would cause delays or disruptions to a number of federal services, including tax filing, Employment Insurance, immigration and passport applications. This strike does not affect the deadline to file taxes.
Aylward commented on how members are feeling ahead of this strike.
More than 250 picket locations went up across the country overnight. Find a local picket line here: https://workerscantwait.ca/
Employment and Social Development Canada says essential services such as employment insurance and social insurance numbers will be maintained.
But it says passport applications and renewals are on hold and limited to those in humanitarian or emergency situations.
Written by Emily Chatwood, with files from the Canadian Press
