Canadian Federal Workers Ramp Up Picket Efforts as Strike Enters Seventh Day

As of Tuesday, striking federal workers in Canada have escalated their picket efforts, causing disruption to traffic and limited access to office buildings in downtown Ottawa. The Public Service Alliance of Canada, which represents over 150,000 federal public servants, has been on strike for seven days, demanding a larger wage increase and more flexibility to work remotely.

The union’s president, Chris Aylward, has promised to move picket lines to more strategic locations, including ports of entry, to have a greater economic impact. The strike has caused delays and slowdowns, with workers blocking the Port of Montreal on Monday, delaying the arrival of trucks.

While the government is negotiating with the union in good faith, ministers are closely monitoring for any blockades of critical roads and infrastructure.

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra has taken steps to ensure contingency plans are in place at ports and airports. The government is aware of the right to strike and demonstrate, but also recognizes the importance of maintaining a functioning economy.

Prabhnoor Kaur