Northern PSAC strike highlights Canada’s federal hypocrisy

BY STEVEN KASZAB

Patrick Bragg, Media Relations for The Public Service Alliance of Canada wrote a letter to Minister O’Regan of The Liberal Administration decrying the fact that the housing authority in Iqaluit would not accept striking members demands, and further brought in scab labour as an alternative service to the local community while the strikers protested daily. He pointed out that the housing authorities’ offer of 7.25% over five years, with a lump sum of 3.5% on ratification, was unacceptable to the many public service members trying to maintain a lived life-style within a region ravaged by increasing: interest rates, food, housing, energy costs.

A ten-pound bag of potatoes costs more than $15.00, $23.39 for a kilogram of ground beef, a four-litre jug of milk cost $8-10.00 $2.00 – $4.00 above the national average. Gas is well above $3.50 litre and limited in availability. Government subsidies help somewhat but the costs overshadow northerners’ lifestyle continually. Shipping costs have increased dearly, while the average person’s wage has remained the same as before the pandemic. The strike has gone on for 70 days and shows no signs of ending any time soon.

Life in the North has always been difficult, requiring sound planning, budgeting and foresight. Stocking up on items that often cannot be found is very difficult and costly.

Another issue arises, showing the federal government’s flip flopping regarding scab labour, something it claims to oppose, while using it through private agencies when so required. The challenge to any public service union, is can a strike demand a commitment from its membership when the strike may surely out last the memberships capabilities to financially survive a long bitter term of labour struggle?

Can the Federal Government implement their policy of anti-scab legislation, and when will it happen?

The costs of living in the North continue to increase, while scarcity of common needed goods increase as well.