Toronto, 4 Apr (ZXS) -- The Canadian Public Service Union, which represents about 17,15 members of Canada's civil service unions, issued an "ultimatum" to the federal government on 5 April, saying that if no agreement can be reached on the issue of treatment on the evening of 4 April, the union will launch a large-scale strike on 17 April.
The union's members cover the finance and taxation sectors. Union leaders warned that it could become the largest strike in Canada's history. Once on strike, people will see a nationwide slowdown or halt in many public services, including tax returns, employment insurance, immigration and passport applications, disruptions in supply chains and international trade at ports, terminals and airports, and slowdown at border clearances.
The union announcement said the negotiations had been going on for nearly two years and workers could not wait any longer. Negotiations with the government have progressed over the past two weeks in several areas, but disagreements remain wide, including several "key issues" such as wages, job security and remote work that keep pace with the cost of living.
Earlier, the Canadian tax department union, which represents about 3,5 people, voted on April 4 and voted with an "overwhelming majority" in favor of a strike at any time from April 7 to early June. As it is currently the annual tax filing season for Canadians, if there is a strike, the tax filing work will inevitably be affected. On 4 April, civil service unions representing more than 14,6 people similarly voted in favour of strike action.
The original collective agreement between the Canadian civil service union organization and the Canadian government expired in 2021, but negotiations on the new agreement were delayed. In the current context of high inflation, one of the main demands on the part of the unions is a wage increase of 3.4% per annum for the last three years, but the counteroffer on the part of the government has not reached this level.
Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau told the media in Ottawa on the 17th that the government still expects and strives to try to solve the problem at the negotiating table.
The Canadian government has recently announced that the civil service strike may affect the work of 23 departments and agencies. According to Canadian media reports, in response to a potential strike, the Canadian government has been preparing a plan. Some jobs that provide basic public services may then be barred from the strike. (End)