Monsurat
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) has called for what it describes as “one of the largest strikes in Canada’s history”, after the union and the federal government failed to reach an agreement in key contract issues.
Reports by Global News says over 155,000 federal workers have walked off the job with many on the picket lines. The strike reportedly started on Wednesday 12:01am, with close to a third of the country’s public servants stopping work.
The PSAC said picket lines were set up in more than 250 locations across the country, reports Global News.
In a statement released on Tuesday, PSAC National President, Chris Aylward 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.”
“Now more than ever, workers need fair wages, good working conditions and inclusive workplaces. And it’s clear the only way we’ll achieve that is by taking strike action to show the government that workers can’t wait.”
According to CTV News, picket lines in Calgary started at the Harry Hays Building as well as the Southland Park Business Centre at 6:30am. They ran until just before 5pm with workers picketing in four-hour shifts, the report says.
Wages are an important factor in the strike, with the union seeking 4.5 percent increase per annum in a three-year contract, for a total of 13.5 percent. However, the government offered three percent in that time period.
The report by CTV News says the union is also seeking greater limits on contract work and provisions for remote work written into the collective agreement.
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