Striking workers offer solution
OTTAWA — Canada’s diplomatic corps say they’ll continue with rotating strikes that are costing the economy millions of dollars in potential revenue until the feds agree to return to the negotiating table.
The 1 ,350-member Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers has set a Tuesday noon deadline for the Treasury Board to agree to binding third-party arbitration after negotiations came off the rails in June. Union president Tim Edwards called the offer “a diplomatic solution, if you will” to the stalled labour talks.
Foreign service workers began pressuring the government with work-to-rule and pickets in April before ramping up pressure with the targeted strikes.
Edwards said visa issuances at top processing centres such as Beijing, New Delhi, Mexico City and Manila are down 65%, and 25% across the board.
There has also been an effect on immigration, agriculture and tourism, with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada estimating the losses for the sector alone at $280 million this year.
“This could all be solved at a fraction of the cost,” Edwards said. At issue is what the union says is “equal pay for equal work.” They argue public servants in similar jobs elsewhere in the federal government are paid up to $10,000 more a year.
Edwards estimates it would cost taxpayers $4.2 million over the course of a three-year contract to meet their demands.
Treasury Board President Tony Clement is reviewing the union’s letter and will respond “in due course,” spokesman Matthew Conway said Monday.
“Our government will always put the interests of taxpayers first,” he said.