Canada's Largest Federal Worker Strike in 3 Decades As 155,000 Walk Off Job

Massive Action Involves Nearly a Third of Federal Employees

In a historic move, over 155,000 federal workers in Canada have embarked on a strike, marking the country's largest labor action of its kind in over 30 years.

Background of the Strike

Negotiations between the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Government of Canada reached an impasse, leading to the strike announcement on Wednesday. The key sticking point is a wage dispute, with PSAC seeking a 4.5% annual increase while the government has offered 2%.

The strike affects a wide range of federal departments and agencies, including border services, tax collection, and healthcare.

Impact of the Strike

The strike has caused significant disruptions to government services, with passport offices closing, tax refunds being delayed, and border crossings experiencing longer wait times.

The government has deployed contingency plans to mitigate the impact of the strike, but essential services such as national defense and healthcare are being prioritized.

Negotiations and Potential Resolution

Negotiations between PSAC and the government are ongoing, and both sides have expressed optimism for a swift resolution.

The government has stated that it is committed to reaching a fair and reasonable agreement, while PSAC has reiterated its demands for a wage increase that keeps pace with inflation.

Additional Resources

• CBC News: More than 155,000 federal workers strike across Canada
• Reuters: Canada ends biggest public-sector strike
• PSAC: PSAC unveils comprehensive strike mandate for federal sector