Location: National
Issue/Source: TRAN Committee Appearance
Date: April 19, 2023
Suggested Responses
- The safety and security of travellers and Canada’s transportation system are paramount for Transport Canada.
- The Government of Canada respects the collective bargaining process, including the right to strike. Employees in a bargaining unit that is in a legal strike position have the right to participate in any lawful strike activity.
- Transport Canada has completed a review of its operations and will ensure that priority services remain available during any labour disruptions.
If Pressed
- While essential services would be maintained during labour disruptions, there may be impacts such as delays in accessing points of service.
Background Information
- On Wednesday April 12, 2023, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) announced that they had received a strong strike mandate from their membership in the Core Public Administration, placing them in a position to strike.
- On Tuesday, April 18 at 9:00 pm, PSAC declared a General Strike as of 12:01 am on Wednesday, April 19.
- A General Strike represents a withdrawal of the services of all PSAC members, which represents approximately 150,000 employees across the Public Service.
- While essential services will continue to be delivered, it is estimated that Transport Canada would function at approximately 60% capacity if all employees eligible to strike were to withdraw their services at the same time.