Live updates from Parliament Hill as 155,000 federal public servants strike across Canada
CTV
The first day of striking by 155,000 federal public servants is underway, with pressure on the federal government to reach a deal to prevent prolonged service disruptions for Canadians. Negotiations are ongoing in the nation's capital, but as those talks continue behind closed doors, here's a rundown of the latest developments from Parliament Hill as they happen.
The first day of striking by 155,000 federal public servants is underway, with pressure on the federal government to reach a deal to prevent prolonged service disruptions for Canadians.
Canada's largest public service union, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), kicked off the strike at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday morning, after saying they've "exhausted every other avenue to reach a fair contract," which is exactly what the federal Liberals say is already on the table.
Negotiations are ongoing in the nation's capital, but as those talks continue behind closed doors, here's a rundown of the latest developments from Parliament Hill as they happen:
Outside of the Treasury Board Headquarters, PSAC national president Chris Aylward and PSAC's national executive vice-president spoke to striking workers and the media from the picket line set up at 90 Elgin St. in Ottawa, otherwise known as the Jim Flaherty Building.
"Workers are fed up, workers are frustrated, and workers are saying enough is enough. We're not going to take the garbage anymore," Aylward said. "We're still at the table. Talks are ongoing, but we're going to stay out here for as long as it takes, until we get a fair deal… When we work together in solidarity… we will win this fight."
A key sticking point for PSAC appears to be remote work. Aylward questioned why the Treasury Board has said that hybrid work is the way of the future, but now at the table is showing resistance.
"If they don't get back to the table, and if they don't start negotiating seriously on our priorities, we will stay out here for as long as it takes," he said.
