PSAC Strike. Image credit Twitter page of Canadian Labour
Ottawa/CMEDIA: The Federal union representing tens of thousands of striking workers were reported saying that it would begin moving picket lines to “strategic locations”on Monday, to cause greater disruption to the government.
During the strike, which began Wednesday, picket lines formed across the country disrupting some government services including income tax, passports and immigration.
Chris Aylward, national president for the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) didn’t elaborate on what specific locations might be involved.
Aylward said although all efforts are being made by the union to be as non-disruptive to the general public as possible but added strategic locations by pickets might be targeted to impact the government and in particular revenue streams.
Talks headed by Treasury Board President Mona Fortier between the union and Treasury Board, the formal employer of the public servants, continued over the weekend.
With progress made on remote work and wage increases for Treasury Board employees, the strike on Sunday night was closer to a resolution, the union said.
There was an agreement between both sides of the dispute on the three main concerns of the negotiations thus far: wages, remote work and the issue of seniority during layoffs.
“I believe there is a good deal on the table and I believe it’s time to close that deal,” Fortier said, though she did not elaborate on specifics.
The strike is scheduled to continue for now amid ongoing talks about a deal for revenue agency workers, Aylward said in a statement. and added,
“At Treasury Board we made some headway on remote work language, and both sides have moved in order to get closer to a resolution on wage increases,” Aylward said.
As for wages increases for revenue agency workers, the talks with the government have not made progress, he added.
“We want to get back to work and we want to end the strike as soon as possible. But it’s up to the government,” Aylward reported saying. “The government has got to come to the table. They’ve got to discuss these three issues seriously and in a meaningful way.”
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