May 1st, 2023 Update: Following a strike that impacted over 155,000 public servants, including those at Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Federal Government have reached a tentative agreement.
PSAC, the union representing the striking federal employees, claims the draft agreement contains higher compensation that will close the wage gap with inflation, new and improved language relating to working from home, and other favorable elements for its members.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), a union representing over 155,000 federal government employees, declared a strike that began April 19, 2023. This affected most government ministries, including Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. (IRCC).
Certain services were delayed or not provided at all during this labour disruption. In addition, the public may have had difficulty accessing specific Government of Canada buildings where services were provided. Now you may contact IRCC regularly with your visa needs, although wait times may be a little bit slower as services return to full capacity.
What Services Were Disrupted During the Strike?
Most IRCC services, like most government services in Canada, were affected. There were expected delays in the following areas:
- processing applications
- in-person appointments or events including citizenship ceremonies
- contacting IRCC via email, phone or social media
- consular citizenship and passport services
- passport services in Canada
What IRCC Services Were Still Available?
According to IRCC, some services will continue to be provided to applicants. You will still be able to do the following:
- apply online
- mail applications to IRCC
- access some emergency immigration services
- use your online accounts.
These services continue to be provided by non-governmental organizations:
- settlement services from IRCC partner organizations
- health care through the Interim Federal Health Program
- visa application centres outside of Canada
During the strike, applicants could still apply online to IRCC to extend their stay in Canada.
Express Entry Draw During the Strike
Moreover, despite the strike, the IRCC held its regularly scheduled Express Entry draw last Wednesday, inviting an additional 3,500 candidates to apply for permanent residence.
Why Did IRCC Employees Go on Strike?
The union, which represents over 155,000 Canadian public servants, went on strike for better pay, a better work-life balance, greater workplace inclusion, and fewer layoffs by creating more jobs rather than contracting roles to private businesses.
On April 17, the government said that both parties were in talks to negotiate an agreement and prevent the strike. At the time, the government proposed a 9% pay raise over three years, mirroring the recommendations of the third-party Public Interest Commission.
One of the most pressing concerns is ensuring that PSAC members may continue to work remotely. According to the union, during the COVID-19 pandemic, public employees were just as successful working remotely as they were in the office, and 90% of employees want to continue working remotely.
The government claims that the requests, as currently constituted, will have a significant impact on its ability to provide services to Canadians and hinder its ability to efficiently manage people inside the public sector.
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VisaPlace Immigration News Contributor
Casey
Meet Casey, one of VisaPlace's immigration news contributors. She brings 6+ years of experience of content creation to VisaPlace. Casey has honed her expertise in delivering comprehensive and up-to-date content on immigration-related matters. Her work not only encompasses the complex legal aspects of immigration but also highlights the ever-evolving policies, procedures, and news that impact immigrants and aspiring visa holders.
