The Public Service Alliance of Canada, representing 159,000 federal public servants, declared a general strike beginning Wednesday, 19APR.
As Open Jaw reported, PSAC leaders announced Monday 17APR that a strike would begin Wednesday unless the union and government had negotiated a deal by Tuesday evening. When that deadline passed, job action began Wednesday. At the time, union reps said the two sides remained far apart on issues including wage increases to match inflation, job security, and working remotely.
Striking federal workers belong to a number of government services and agencies that are key to travel operations in Canada.
In its news conference Monday, PSAC leaders said if a strike went ahead, pickets would be at "strategic" locations across Canada to target the government and minimize impact on the public.
As of Thursday, 20APR, one day into the strike, that seems to be the case, including for travel. While some picket lines have already gone up, they appear to be restricted to federal government offices - at least for now.
BORDERS
In a statement 20APR, the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) addressed the strike, saying “During this labour disruption, it is expected that CBSA services to travellers and businesses will be maintained.”
According to the Globe, striking PSAC members include CBSA admin, not frontline border workers. While striking admin workers could impact CBSA operations if the strike continues, the job action is not apparently yet having an effect.
PASSPORTS
Employment and Social Development Canada workers are also included in the PSAC strike. They will be maintaining ‘essential’ services - but passport services are not deemed ‘essential.’
That’s not good news for anyone waiting on a passport. CP24 reports that, except in the case of emergency/ humanitarian reasons, passport application or renewal processing is ‘on hold.’
OTHER TRAVEL SERVICES
As Open Jaw reported, Canadians may see other impacts on travel-related services during a PSAC strike.
The CTA has said it will maintain its regulatory services but expects delays in processing complaints and claims against airlines by passengers who have experienced flight delays or cancellations.
Transport Canada provides regulatory work, certifications, licenses and other processes essential to air and rail travel. While it says essential safety-related services will be maintained, things like certification and licensing processing may be delayed.
And Global Affairs Canada workers will continue travel advice and advisory services, but delays in processing passports overseas may occur.
It’s only one day into the strike by about a third of federal government workers. Its impact on travel may increase if the PSAC job action continues for a prolonged period of time or accelerates.
