Over 155,000 public service workers have gone on strike nationwide that includes more than 35,000 Canada Revenue Agency employees.
Treasury board workers are demanding a 13.5 per cent wage increase over three years, tax agency workers want a 22.5 per cent increase while wanting work-from-home guarantees. The federal government’s offer of 9.5 per cent was turned down during Tuesday’s negotiations.
“We're here to support our fellow workers across Canada,” said Susan MacMillan of the Public Service Alliance of Canada. “We're 150,000 strong to send a message. We're sending a message to support our unions and trying to negotiate a fair contract for our employees.”
MacMillan says a variety of affected workers have united in support of the strike such as the Union of Taxation, the Department of National Defense and Service Canada. Employees as far as Bancroft and Trenton have come to Peterborough to join the George Street protest.
“We’re being strongly represented in Peterborough,” she added.
The strike concluded at roughly 3 p.m. but will go for as long as it takes until their demands are met according to MacMillan.
The workers are circling George Street between Dalhousie and Sherbrooke Street as they strike. Several vehicles slowed down and honked in support of the workers.
“I am hoping that the support is coming from across Canada,” said MacMillian. “Right now, that's the support that we need.”
The bottom line for the workers is that they get what they feel is deserved during their negotiations with the federal government.
“We just want a fair contract,” said MacMillian.
