Public sector workers reach deal with government, ending strike

Treasury Board employees set to return to work, but Canada Revenue Agency workers still out

Canada reached agreement for a new wage deal with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) union representing 120,000 federal workers, the union said on Monday, bringing an end to the country’s largest public sector strike that had crippled services from tax returns to immigration.

Financial Post

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

  • Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
  • Get exclusive access to the National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
  • Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
  • Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
  • Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

  • Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
  • Get exclusive access to the National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
  • Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
  • Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
  • Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

REGISTER TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

  • Access articles from across Canada with one account.
  • Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
  • Enjoy additional articles per month.
  • Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Don't have an account? Create Account

or
View more offers
If you are a Home delivery print subscriber, unlimited online access is included in your subscription. Activate your Online Access Now

While the 120,000 Treasury Board employees are set to return to work, more than 35,000 revenue agency workers striking since April 19 are expected to continue into Monday, the union, which represents both groups, said in a statement.

“Strike action continues across the country for 35,000 members at Canada Revenue Agency,” the union said, adding that talks would resume with a new mandate for a fair contract.

Their key outstanding concerns include fair wages, the right to work remotely, and the role of seniority in layoffs.

However, the Treasury workers’ deal exceeded “the employer’s original offer before the launch of strike action”, the union added.

The PSAC union, which had been in collective bargaining for a new contract since 2021, ramped up pressure on the government last month by calling for the rare wide-ranging strike.

The resulting shortage of staff at about two dozen government agencies caused delays and disruptions in services such as passport renewals.

© Thomson Reuters 2023