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
Syrian rebels topple Assad, transforming nation and Middle East
Syria rebel fighters raced into Damascus unopposed on Sunday, overthrowing President Bashar al-Assad and ending nearly six decades of his family's iron-fisted rule after a lightning advance that reversed the course of a 13-year civil war.
Baby found dead in south Edmonton parking lot: police
Police are investigating the death of an infant in south Edmonton.
Trump calls for immediate cease-fire in Ukraine and says a U.S. withdrawal from NATO is possible
Donald Trump on Sunday pushed Russian leader Vladimir Putin to act to reach an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine, describing it as part of his active efforts as U.S. president-elect to end the war despite being weeks from taking office.
A man, a bike and a gun: Police search for evidence to solve the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO on the streets of New York
As the investigation into the fatal shooting of a health care executive in Manhattan enters its fifth day, New York City police are missing key pieces of evidence.
Updated advisory urges Canadians to avoid all travel to Syria, leave if possible
Ottawa is urging Canadians to avoid all travel to Syria and to consider leaving the country if it's safe to do so.
‘Moana 2’ cruises to another record weekend and US$600 million globally
The Walt Disney Co.'s animated film 'Moana 2' remained at the top of the box office in its second weekend in theatres as it brought in another record haul.
Trump says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise U.S. prices and promises swift immigration action
Donald Trump said he can't guarantee that his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won't raise prices for American consumers and he suggested once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned.
After $80 million Lotto Max, another lucky Lotto 6/49 ticket sold in Quebec
Lotto-Québec announced on Sunday that "the classic jackpot of $5 million, offered in yesterday's (Saturday) Lotto 6/49 draw, was won thanks to a ticket sold in Quebec."
MP Jamil Jivani meets U.S. vice president-elect amid Trump's tariff threats
A Conservative member of Parliament has tapped a longtime friendship to connect with Donald Trump's inner circle as Canada prepares for the president-elect’s return to the White House next month amid threats of devastating tariffs.