New Updates on the IRCC Strike: Processing Delays Expected | May 1

Update on IRCC Strike – May 1, 2023

We have some breaking news! The IRCC strike has finally come to an end. After more than a week of negotiations, PSAC has reached a preliminary agreement with the government. The strike has caused significant disruption to the processing of applications, citizenship ceremonies, and in-person appointments, and other non-essential government functions were also suspended.

As of May 1 at 9 a.m. ET, members of the PA, SV, TC, and EB negotiating units, which include IRCC employees, will report to work, and services will be resumed. However, due to the backlog caused by the strike, the processing of applications, citizenship ceremonies, and in-person appointments will likely experience delays.

On the bright side, PSAC negotiated wage increases totaling 12.6% compounded over the course of the agreement from 2021 to 2024. Additionally, they secured a pensionable $2,500 lump sum payout, representing an additional 3.7% of the average PSAC member’s income in Treasury Board bargaining units. Under the deal, PSAC also won an additional fourth year of inflation protection.

However, the Canada Revenue Agency strike is still ongoing as negotiations resume with a new mandate from CRA to reach a fair contract. There are separate negotiations for the CRA group of over 35,000 employees.

Update on PSAC Strike – April 30, 2023

The PSAC strike enters day 12, and negotiations continue. PSAC has demanded a wage increase of 13.5%, but the government’s latest offer includes an “enhanced wage offer” in addition to a Public Interest Commission recommendation of a 9% raise. The union is ready to lower their demand but needs a better offer than 9%.

PSAC has also demanded the continuation of work from home (telework), which has been agreed upon by all departments except CRA. The government’s latest offer has reportedly proposed solutions to address the union’s demands for telework, seniority, and contracting out. Separate talks are ongoing for 35,000 CRA employees.

Update on PSAC Strike – April 29, 2023

The Canadian government has issued a statement regarding their latest counter offer, which they claim is fair, competitive, and reasonably final. Negotiations are ongoing, and PSAC will continue bargaining throughout the weekend to see if they can reach a fair deal.

As for the IRCC strike, if you are unable to provide your biometrics within 30 days due to a labor interruption in the public sector, you now have 60 days to complete this stage. Biometrics collection outside of Canada continues as visa application centers outside of Canada remain open.