PSAC to hold nationwide strike ballots from mid-November to late January

After a year-and-a-half of bargaining, the Public Service Alliance of Canada said contract talks with the Treasury Board have reached an impasse, leading to nationwide strike votes for roughly 120,000 federal employees. The ballot period is set for Nov. 16 through Jan. 22 and includes workers ranging from wildland firefighters to federal teachers and administrative staff. PSAC national president Sharon DeSousa warned that the government’s stance leaves the union with no alternative but to consider a strike, though she emphasized it is a final measure.

If the vote passes, the union would be legally positioned to strike for up to 60 days. The move follows a 2023 strike that secured a 12.6% wage increase over a three-year agreement, amid recent cuts that have reduced the federal workforce by more than 23,000 staff.