Saskatchewan-based federal workers could be impacted by strike as deadline looms

The union representing more than 155,000 workers says if a deal with the federal government is not reached by Tuesday evening, then workers would go on strike Wednesday morning.

That could impact as many as 4,000 federal workers in Saskatchewan.

Federal employees represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) have been without a deal since 2021.

“We’ve been going on close to two years in bargaining and we have not felt that (employers) are taking the process seriously and so our members have said that it’s time. They’re tired of waiting and they’re ready to take to the picket lines,” said Marianne Hladun, PSAC’s prairie regional executive vice-president.

Hladun said workers are looking for a more livable wage, job security and the ability to have a choice to work remotely.

She said workers were able to deliver one of the first national safety programs all while working from home.

“It should be in the collective agreement that if an employee wants to work from home (and if) they’re able to do their job, then it should be considered fairly consistently across the country and it should not be unreasonably denied,” she said.

According to Hladun, members of the bargaining team have been waiting and are ready to negotiate.

“We do not want to strike but the reality is that if there is nothing coming to the table, the members have said they’re tired of waiting,” she said.

As for how the strike will impact Saskatchewan people, Hladun said there will be delays at some federal offices. But she said there are some employees who are considered essential.

“Some services will continue but we ask people to be patient,” she said. “The reality is if we are able to achieve wages that meet the cost of living, that sets a bar for all employers.”

Hladun called the strike precedent-setting for all workers.

“We don’t want to disrupt Canadians, but we believe it’s time for a fair deal,” she said. “We’re here, we’re ready and we will continue to be here and be ready until the employer decides to come with a fair offer.”