The Federal government said it’s watching for road and infrastructure blockades as striking federal workers increase their picket efforts.. PSAC Strike 1About 1,200 Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) workers protested outside the Harry Hays Building in Calgary after the union ordered a strike. .More than 155,000 federal public servants from the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) have been on strike for seven days as they negotiate with the government for better wages and more flexibility to work from home..Hundreds of striking workers are causing disruptions in Ottawa by circling buildings, chanting, and playing loud music..Some strikers marched on the Portage Bridge between Ottawa and Gatineau, creating traffic delays..At the Prime Minister's Office building and the Treasury Board (TB) headquarters, strikers only allow one person to enter every five minutes..The strike activity has increased as promised by PSAC President Chris Aylward, who said that the picket lines would move to more important locations, such as ports of entry, to have a greater effect on the economy..PSAC tweeted on Monday night that they had closed down ports in Montreal, Vancouver and St. John's. .Federal ministers at the weekly cabinet meeting in Ottawa said they were watching for any blockades at “critical” infrastructure..“On one hand, they have the right to strike and demonstrate,” Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne told the media..“On the other hand, we need to make sure that the economy can continue functioning around the country.”.Omar Alghabra, the minister of Transport, said he's communicated with ports and airports to ensure they have backup plans ready in case of disruptions..“I know Canadians would like us to avoid disruption to travel and supply chains, and our focus is to resolve this at the negotiation table,” said Alghabra..On Tuesday afternoon, TB President Mona Fortier told the media both groups were at the bargaining table Tuesday morning..Fortier released an open letter Monday afternoon that identified four main areas of disagreement between PSAC and TB..The areas are wages, teleworking, outsourcing contracts, and seniority rules in the case of layoffs..When asked whether the proposed increase of 9% in wages over three years was the last offer by the government, Fortier did not provide a clear answer..Fortier siad in French the offer was based on the advice of the Public Interest Commission, an independent third party..PSAC wants a 13.5% wage increase for their members over the same three-year period.
