OTTAWA, April 18, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - More than 155,000 public servants in
Canada will go on strike Wednesday if a deal is not reached with the
government on wages and other demands, their union said Monday.

These government employees, who work at more than 20 departments including
the Canada Revenue Agency, have been without a contract since 2021. They
voted overwhelmingly last week to strike.

Union officials say the two sides are far apart on wages, job security and
remote work.

"These workers -- like all workers -- deserve fair wages and decent working
conditions. Despite some progress at the bargaining table, our members are
frustrated that while negotiations drag on, they continue to fall behind,"
Chris Aylward, national president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada
(PSAC), told a news conference.

"We've already been at the table for nearly two years, and these workers
can't wait any longer. That's why we're setting a clock on this round of
bargaining," he said.

If a deal is not reached by 9 pm (0100 GMT) Tuesday, a national general
strike will be called starting at 12:01 am Wednesday.

The PSAC is dwarfed by the larger Canadian Union of Public Employees, but a
strike by its members would still be disruptive.

If PSAC workers strike, Canadians have been told to expect delays in the
processing of income tax returns, immigration and asylum requests, passport
applications and foreign worker permits.

Consular services and new requests for veterans benefits would also be
affected.