PSAC negotiations must continue as strike begins, Trudeau urges
Global News
More than 155,000 PSAC members, including 35,000 workers in the union’s tax unit, went on strike Wednesday after failing to reach a deal on a new agreement with the government.
Negotiations must continue despite more than 155,000 public servants going on strike, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) members, including 35,000 workers in the union’s tax unit, went on strike Wednesday after failing to reach a deal on a new agreement with the government.
PSAC had set a deadline of 9 p.m. eastern Tuesday to strike a deal, but union leaders said their issues at the bargaining table “have still not been addressed.” However, those talks are ongoing, national president Chris Aylward said Tuesday night in Ottawa.
Trudeau told reporters on Parliament Hill – where PSAC members were outside the West Block striking – that negotiations must continue.
“Canadians have every right and expectation to see the services that they expect delivered. We understand it’s really important to respect labour rights, and there’s a labour disruption right now. It’s the first day,” he said.
“Let’s make sure that while this is going on, we are at the negotiating table – that’s where we expect both managers and unions to sit down and keep the hard work for Canadians.”
The strike, which the union says is one of the largest in Canadian history, will impact many government services. Canadians can expect delays when dealing with government departments, most notably with taxes as the May 1 tax filing deadline approaches.
The Canada Revenue Agency has warned of delays in processing income tax returns; Employment and Social Development Canada and Service Canada say delays to passport services and grants and contributions programs will be expected.
