Workers represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada have hit the picket lines across Canada, including here in the Northwest.
Vice President of Local 00030 John Deptuck says workers just want a fair deal and are hitting the ground running on day one.
“We are looking to really just make ourselves visible today. This is about fair wages for our members, for the work that they’re doing doing, the hard work they’ve been doing over the past two years.”
There are approximately 400 workers in Northwestern Ontario, many according to Deptuck are essential and are unable to participate during work hours.
But despite the picket lines, bargaining does continue behind the scenes, a process which has been ongoing since near the start of the pandemic.
“We’ve been at that bargaining table for two years, our membership haven’t received a wage increase since 2020 and we’re committed to getting a fair deal for our members and its a day by day game at this point.”
155 thousand workers are represented by PSAC and include those who work for Service Canada, the Canadian Grain Commission, Health Canada, and Passport Canada.
Picketers with the Public Service Alliance of Canada make their presence known out front of Thunder Bay – Superior North MP Patty Hajdu’s office in Thunder Bay (Adam Riley/Acadia Broadcasting)
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