Historic strike: Federal public service workers picket in Calgary
CTV
After nearly two years of fruitless negotiations, roughly 155,000 federal public service workers have kicked off the largest public service strike in Canadian history.
After nearly two years of fruitless negotiations, roughly 155,000 federal public service workers have kicked off the largest public service strike in Canadian history.
In Calgary, picket lines started at the Harry Hays Building as well as the Southland Park Business Centre at 6:30 a.m.
They are expected to run until around 5:30 p.m. with workers picketing in four-hour shifts.
More than 200 workers took to the front steps of the Harry Hays Building early Wednesday morning with signs in hands and whistles at the ready.
"Nobody wants to be on strike. This is not our goal. However, we know that it's required. We know that it's necessary for us to get a fair contract," said Kathy Ajram, a member of the Union of Taxation Employees.
"With inflation, we are seeing our members suffer and struggle. They can't pay bills, they can't pay their rent, putting food on the table is difficult. Hearing these stories is soul crushing. Our members deserve more."
Talks with the government failed to produce an agreement before the union's deadline Tuesday evening.
