The strike impacting Canadian immigrants began on April 19. As a result, PSAC, i.e., Public Service Alliance of Canada has instructed its members to return to work at 9 am as per Eastern Time this morning. 

PSAC, the Union representing the federal employees, asserts that the tentative agreement includes offering higher wages which will close the gap with inflation, and new and enhanced languages relating to working from home, among other favorable provisions for the members. 

Throughout the strike, IRCC observed that delays are expected in several areas, like: 

  • Processing applications 
  • In-person appointments 
  • Contacting IRCC via emails, phone calls, social media, etc
  • Passport services 
  • Grants and contribution services

During the strike, applying online to IRCC to extend their stay in Canada became possible. 

Moreover, IRCC held its regularly scheduled Express Entry draw last Wednesday despite the strike, wherein over 3500 candidates applied for permanent inhabitancy. 

ESDC, i.e., Employment & Social Development Canada, also reported disruptions to collecting biometrics and TFWP, i.e., Temporary Foreign Worker Program. 

ESDC reviews the Labor Market Impact Assessments, mandatory for employers who want to hire temporary foreign workers/ employees. In addition, many Canadian employers depend upon TFWP for recruiting seasonal workers and filling job vacancies in high-demand sectors. 

The Strike – Why Did It Take Place? 

PSAC held nationwide strike votes between February 22 & April 11. The Union asserted that the strike sought fair wages, a better work-life balance, an enhanced workplace, and reduced layoffs by creating more jobs instead of contracting positions to private organizations. 

Among the ‘deal-breakers’, the Union members wanted to work remotely after the COVID-19 breakout. PSAC asserted that public services worked remotely as effectively as in the office. In addition, 90% of the employees wanted to continue working remotely. 

The Government said that the demand as drafted in the negotiations would severely impact the ability to offer services to Canadians and limit its ability to manage employees in public services effectively. 

The Union also sought higher wages for members in the face of Canada’s current inflated living cost.