Following failed attempts at resolving issues related to remote work and fair wages, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) has called for a strike. Over 1,55,000 federal workers in the country are on the biggest ever strike in over 30 years.
The protestors are demanding that layoffs be refrained from and more permanent jobs be created instead of hiring people on contract. They are seeking work-life balance and fair wages, along with inclusivity at the workplace.
While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is seeking to resolve the matter at the earliest, many government services have been disrupted across Canada, including passport services and Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
However, people can still apply to IRCC online and emergency services will remain available. The healthcare system of the government as well as non-governmental organisations offering visa application services outside Canada will remain operational.
Earlier this month, the Canadian government had offered a 9 per cent wage hike over a period of three years as recommended by the Public Interest Commission. However, the main cause of a delay in resolution is that a whopping 90 per cent of the PSAC members want to be allowed to work remotely, as they feel that even public service workers have been working effectively from home.
However, the government has not yet allowed them to continue working remotely, as they feel delivery of services to citizens will be adversely affected and employee management will also be problematic.
