The majority of government departments, including Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), will be affected by a strike called by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), a union that represents 155,000 federal government staffers.
The strike is probable to cause hiccups and delays in Canada visa processing applications. It also includes in-person appointments or meetings, such as contacting IRCC by phone, consular citizenship and passport services, citizenship ceremonies, email, social media, and passport services in Canada. However, a few services will still remain open, such as mailing applications to the IRCC, tapping into online accounts and applications, and availing some emergency services.
Also Read: 30% Increase in USA Visa Interview Appointments for Indian Students in 2023
The Interim Federal Health Programme, settlement assistance from IRCC partner organisations, and non-governmental organisation-run visa application centres outside of Canada will all continue to be accessible.
Demands for equitable salaries, a healthier balance between work and life, improved workplace diversity, and fewer redundancies through producing more employment opportunities rather than outsourcing job positions are the causes behind the protest.
The Canadian government waved on April 17, 2023, that negotiations between the two parties had taken place in an effort to prevent a strike. At that time, the government put forth a wage rise proposal that would have increased wages by 9% over three years, in line with the suggestions made by the Public Interest Commission, an independent body. Nevertheless, maintaining that PSAC employees may continue working remotely is one of the most important concerns.
The union asserts that during the Covid-19 outbreak, public sector employees proved to be just as productive working from home as they were in the office, and 90% of employees are still interested in continuing to work from home.
Also Read: Rishi Sunak Pushes for Compulsory Mathematics in UK Till 18
The Canadian government argues that the requirements as stated currently will have a significant negative impact on the provision of services to Canadians and will restrict its capacity to manage personnel within the public service. Additionally, the Temporary Foreign Worker Programme (TFWP) and the collection of biometrics are both expected to be impacted by the strike action.
The government of Canada confirmed that during the labour disruption, benefit payments will be given priority, and the Canada Child Benefit will still be publicly accessible. Payments for Employment Insurance, the Canada Pension Plan, Veterans' Income Support, Old Age Security, and the Guaranteed Income Supplement will also go on as originally planned.
Know How to Apply for a Canada Visa?
Source: Livemint
