Airport slowdowns and a tax refund ‘shutdown’: 6 things to know about a possible government strike

In a push for higher wages and the ability to work remotely, one of Canada’s largest national labour unions has threatened to strike after receiving the green light from an “overwhelming” number of the federal government workers who voted.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) announced Wednesday morning that it had received the strike mandate after a majority of its 120,000 eligible union members voted on the matter over the past two months.

PSAC national president Chris Aylward said the workers are now in a “legal strike position,” meaning they could walk out immediately. However, the union said it wouldn’t launch the work stoppage before talks with the Treasury Board, which employs the workers, are scheduled to wrap up on Friday.

“The cost of living has hit highs we haven’t seen in 40 years, and people are struggling,” he said in a news release. “Today, PSAC members are sending a clear message that they won’t be taken for granted, they won’t fall further behind, and they’re ready to fight for better.”

In response, the Treasury Board called for compromise. “It remains our goal to reach an agreement at the bargaining table as soon as possible,” it said in a news release. “Over the past week we made significant headway, addressing many union demands.”

If they decide to strike, Aylward predicted the major labour action — one of the largest in decades — would have ripple effects across the country.

Here’s what you need to know.

Who might go on strike?

The approximately 123,856 workers represent four different bargaining groups — program and administrative services; operational services; technical services; and education and library science — made up of public service workers employed by the Treasury Board of Canada.

They include people in a wide array of jobs, from administrative workers at federally run services and departments to research librarians, teaching aides, plumbers and hospital workers.

But while they may support the action, some of these workers are not eligible to strike because of the essential nature of their jobs.

“These are not high-paid, senior executives,” Aylward said in a press conference on Wednesday. “The majority of our members are women making between 40 and $65,000 a year.”

According to Statistics Canada, the average Canadian income in 2020 was $51,300.

What do they want — and what has the government offered?

PSAC is pushing for a wage increase of 13.5 per cent over three years. The government is offering 8.25 per cent over four years — a proposal PSAC previously described as “insulting” and “out of touch with the soaring cost of living.”

Aylward has described the government’s offer as a pay cut when factoring in inflation.

Last year, Statistics Canada said the Consumer Price Index (CPI) — an average measure of consumer goods and services — rose by 6.8 per cent, the highest climb since 1982.

In February, the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board, an impartial tribunal, suggested Ottawa increase wages by nine per cent over three years.

The union is also seeking protections around remote work, more inclusive anti-racism and harassment training, and ending the contracting out of services.

Last year, the Treasury Board mandated employees return to work at least twice a week.

How could a strike affect you?

If PSAC workers strike, Aylward predicted slowdowns at the border and airports, as many administrative workers within Canada Border Services Agency would be off the job.

Passport and immigration applications would likely be interrupted, too. Canadians can also expect delays accessing other government services, including Veterans Affairs.

And as ports, trains and airports would all be impacted, the union said trade would likely slow, as well.

Wait, didn’t Canada Revenue Agency employees just threaten to strike a few days ago?

Yes. Wednesday’s announcement came five days after 35,000 CRA workers, who are represented by PSAC and a subcomponent called the Union of Taxation Employees, also voted in favour of a strike mandate.

They will be in a legal strike position as of Friday, Aylward said.

Could that delay my tax return?

Yes. According to a PSAC spokesperson, a CRA strike could cause “a complete shutdown of tax season.”

If both groups decide to strike, how many workers could walk off the job?

Of the 159,000 workers, roughly 120,000 — or about one-third of all federal public service workers — will be eligible to strike, Aylward said.

Those unable to strike include firefighters and Coast Guard workers, as well as those involved in national security and income distribution programs.

Correction — April 17, 2023: This file was updated to correct that there are 159,000 PSAC workers, not 155,000 CRA and PSC workers.

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