Federal government, union wrangle over fairness as public service strike begins

On the first day of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) strike, presidents of the Treasury Board and PSAC aired disagreements over what constitutes a fair deal.

Picket lines have gone up near many government offices across Canada and disruptions to some government services have begun.

In a news conference early Wednesday afternoon, Treasury Board President Mona Fortier said some of the union's proposals when it comes to the larger of its two striking groups are unrealistic.

She said despite progress over the last two weeks, a fair deal can't be reached if PSAC won't compromise. 

Asked about the idea of back-to-work legislation, Fortier said the bargaining table is the best place to reach a deal.

WATCH | The Treasury Board president on talks so far:

'We can't write a blank cheque': Treasury Board President discusses PSAC strike

2 years ago

Duration 1:58

Treasury Board President Mona Fortier says progress was made at the negotiating table and the federal government made a fair offer.

That followed noon remarks in downtown Ottawa from PSAC national president Chris Aylward.

He called on the federal government to start negotiating "seriously" and said the union is ready to strike as long as it takes for a fair deal.

WATCH | Union national president's noon rally:

'Enough is enough:' PSAC president speaks to members on first day of strike

2 years ago

Duration 1:59

PSAC president Chris Aylward says negotiations with the government are continuing and he encourages picketers to strike until a deal is reached.

More than 155,000 federal public servants under the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) are striking.

Contracts expired in 2021 for the larger group of about 120,000 workers spread across many departments and agencies, as well as more than 35,000 workers with the Canada Revenue Agency.

The union declared an impasse with each unit last year and went to a labour board. Disappointed with the results from that board, PSAC called strike votes in the winter.

When you factor out essential workers, more than 120,000 of these workers can walk off the job.

The federal government has a list of what's affected at 28 departments and agencies because of the strike. That includes tax returns, passport applications and further delays with the citizenship and immigration process.

• More on the services affected during the strike

The union has focused their public demands primarily on wages, in addition to remote work rules. It said it wants to secure higher wages for its members who are falling behind the high cost of living and set a precedent for other unions.

The government has said it's offered a fair deal and the union's proposals are not affordable.

More than 250 picket locations were planned for Wednesday. Members who cross the picket line could face fines and suspension of their union membership privileges, PSAC said. According to the union's constitution, a worker may be fined their daily earnings for each day they cross the line.

WATCH | Pickets at one Ottawa line:

Public servants demonstrating outside Tunney's Pasture station

2 years ago

Duration 0:49

Statistics Canada employee Larry Leadman has been through a strike as a government employee before and said he wasn't surprised the two sides didn't reach a deal before 9 p.m. Tuesday.