Largest public service strike in Canadian history involving over 155,000 federal workers

2023, Canada experienced the largest public service strike in its history, involving more than 155,000 federal workers represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). The strike affected a wide range of essential services, including border control, tax processing, immigration services, and government offices, causing significant disruptions nationwide. Workers protested against stalled collective bargaining negotiations, demanding higher wages, better benefits, and improvements to working conditions, amid rising inflation and increased cost of living. The strike lasted for several weeks, marking a major challenge for the federal government under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Negotiations eventually resumed after intense public and political pressure, leading to a tentative agreement that included wage increases, enhanced sick leave, and adjustments to job security measures. Analysts noted that the strike highlighted long-standing grievances within Canada’s federal workforce, demonstrating the growing influence of public sector unions in national policymaking. The event prompted discussions about labor relations, the sustainability of public service compensation, and the government’s capacity to manage large-scale workforce disputes, making it a defining moment in Canada’s labor history.