A possible labour strike involving 159,000 public servants could impact immigration, refugee, and citizenship services in Canada.
Editor’s Note: The Information regarding this strike was posted on the government of Canada’s Website.
The Government of Canada is currently in negotiations with bargaining groups representing around 159,000 public servants. As these negotiations continue, it is becoming increasingly likely that these employees may be in a legal strike position as early as mid-April.
A large number of IRCC employees are partaking in this strike. This potential labour strike could significantly impact a range of services provided to the public, including Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) services.
Services Maintained During the Labour strike:
In the event of a labour Strike, certain IRCC services will still be available to the public. Individuals will be able to:
- apply online
- mail applications to IRCC
- use their online accounts.
Additionally, some emergency services will remain accessible. Services provided by non-governmental organizations will also continue, including settlement services from partner organizations, health care through the Interim Federal Health Program, and visa application centres located outside of Canada.
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These IRCC Services ‘may be’ unavailable:
While some services will remain available during the IRCC strike, others may be partially or fully disrupted. This includes:
- processing applications
- in-person appointments
- events such as citizenship ceremonies
- contacting IRCC via email, phone, or social media.
Consular citizenship and passport services, as well as passport services in Canada, may also experience delays or disruptions.
Why is there a strike?
On April 7, the majority of PSAC-UTE members exercised their right to vote and gave their union a mandate to strike. This indicates that as of April 14, 2023, they will be in a lawful striking position.
The round of discussion between the CRA and PSAC-UTE is scheduled on April 17-20.
Today, PSAC-UTE members voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike. Our bargaining team will continue to work hard to secure a fair deal. However, if the CRA continues to stall, we will use all the tools available to us, including a strike. Read more: https://t.co/41ezy2gJNP pic.twitter.com/0GzcouJB9a
— PSAC-AFPC (@psac_afpc) April 7, 2023
The union wants more pay, greater flexibility for remote work, better job security, and a better work-life balance. Since October 31, 2021, there hasn’t been a collective bargaining agreement for union members.
Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) employees on Strike?
As of April 14, 2023, CRA employees will be in a lawful striking position. On April 7, the majority of PSAC-UTE members exercised their right to vote, giving their union a mandate to strike.
How a Potential Legal Strike Could Affect Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Services?
With Potential Legal Strike, applicants can expect delays in:
1. applications processing.
2. in-person appointments including citizenship ceremony.
3. contacting IRCC via email, phone or social media
4. services for consular citizenship and passport
5. in-Canada passport services
As the Situation evolves, +1 News will continue to provide latest updates on IRCC strike as it unfolds.
As more information becomes available regarding the IRCC strike which will affect large number of IRCC, CRA and other Government Services, updates will be provided on how this will affect everyone. Individuals relying on these services are encouraged to stay informed and make necessary adjustments to their plans.
The Immigration, Refugees, & Citizenship Canada also shared an informational webpage along with this news release, Read the information here.
