According to reports, the workers are advocating for improved wages, the continuation of remote work, and reduced layoffs.
Additionally, they are urging for the creation of more job opportunities instead of outsourcing positions to private organizations.
PSAC has been engaged in contract negotiations since 2021, and had established a deadline of 9 pm ET (0630 IST on April 19) on April 18, as reported by the Economic Times.
What to expect during the strike?
As per information from the Government of Canada website, although essential services will be maintained during the labor disruption, Canadians should anticipate potential delays or interruptions in other services.
The government is actively working towards reaching an agreement with the PSAC to resume normal operations as swiftly as possible.
The services that may experience partial or complete disruptions are as follows:
- Citizenship ceremonies, as well as in-person appointments.
- Processing applications and passport services.
- Reaching out to IRCC via phone, e-mail or social media.
- Consular citizenship and passport services in Canada.
- Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is expecting disruptions in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the collection of biometrics.
Other services, such as online applications, mailing applications to IRCC, accessing online accounts, and emergency services, are still operational and accessible to the public.
Settlement services provided by IRCC partner organizations, healthcare through the Interim Federal Health Program, and visa application centers outside of Canada (which are non-governmental organizations) will also remain available.
