The view from the picket line on Day 7 of the PSAC strike
After a full week of the PSAC strike, some strikers say they want to return to work, while others will stay as long as needed.
While there is still no deal, there are indications from the federal government that progress is being made.
“We’re just going to hold the line as long as we need to,” says Megan Younge, while picketing in front of Tunney’s Pasture on Tuesday. “We’re here and we’re going to stay here until we need to leave.”
“I’m hoping for a fair deal, ideally what the union is asking for,” she says. “I think everything they’re asking for is completely fair; I hope we get a better solution for working from home and I really hope that we really push for better inclusivity, all that kind of stuff as well. It’s very important.”
“I think it’s damn well time to get back, I hope they get it done, and soon,” says Larry Leadman, who works for Statistics Canada.
“There’s a lot of frustration creeping in, let’s put it that way, and people have been out for a while. They’re seeing the public is not really in our corner. I think people just want to get back to work,” he says.
No deal yet, but talks are continuing.
“We are now at a few items to be able to get to a deal. Now, we know many services are being affected right now and we respect workers to be on strike, and we know this is hurting Canadians, that is why, I am working tirelessly with my negotiating to get to a deal,” Mona Fortier said.
Union leaders at the Tunney’s Pasture picket line say the mood changes when information hits the picket line.
“If you asked me yesterday morning, I would’ve said people are tired - people are looking to get back to work; we had a negotiator come by and give an update, and when people knew about the process, they weren’t flying blind - morale went way back up, people are excited - people are excited to escalate, people are excited to get this done quickly,” Chris Chow, PSAC Regional Representative told CTV News.
There is still no agreement on the wage issue — the hybrid work model is still at the centre of this dispute.
“Most important is the teleworking,” says Visita Leelaratna while striking at Tunney’s Pasture.
“It’s the key issue - and it’s so fundamental,” says Gilles Levasseur, a professor with uOttawa.
He says of the strike, “The thing is, it should be ending hopefully this Friday - because as a society, as the public needs it, we want that type of strike to end because it affects all of us - all Canadians; now, will that happen? The issues are so fundamentally strong, that it becomes difficult to make a consensus on what should be the proper timing to end this strike for both parties.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Heavy snow, freezing rain warnings hit parts of Canada, expected to last throughout Monday
Significant snowfall and heavy rain hit parts of Canada on Sunday and the weather system is expected to continue into Monday morning and throughout the day.
BoC expected to lower interest rates again, with odds leaning toward larger cut
Financial markets and forecasters are betting on another jumbo interest rate cut from the Bank of Canada this week.
The Canada Post strike involving more than 55,000 has hit 25 days
The Canada Post strike involving more than 55,000 workers has hit 25 days.
Celebrities spotted at Taylor Swift's final Eras Tour performance in Vancouver
Taylor Swift fans from around the world gathered in Vancouver on Sunday to witness the final performance of her massively popular Eras Tour, including a few celebrities.
Government faces third Tory non-confidence vote ahead of potential fiscal hurdle
The Liberals are set to face a third Conservative non-confidence vote today, but the government is likely to survive with the support of the NDP.
Most Canadians view illegal immigrant border crossings as concern for U.S.: Nanos survey
More than 80 per cent of Canadians believe the flow of illegal immigrants from Canada to the U.S. is a concern, according to a new survey.
Jay-Z denies allegations he sexually assaulted a 13-year-old in 2000 with Sean 'Diddy' Combs
A woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted by Sean 'Diddy' Combs has amended her lawsuit to include allegations that she was also assaulted by Jay-Z at the same party.
Taylor Swift ends record-smashing Eras Tour in Vancouver, after glittering global run
Taylor Swift took the stage for the final time on her record-smashing Eras Tour, watched by tens of thousands of delirious fans in Vancouver's BC Place arena and by millions on livestreams around the world.
Syrian prime minister says government is still functioning but foreign and domestic challenges loom
Syria's prime minister said Monday that most cabinet ministers are still working from offices in Damascus after rebels entered the capital over the weekend and overthrew President Bashar Assad. Streams of refugees crossed in from neighboring countries, hoping for a more peaceful future.