Correctional Service Canada warns of possible disruptions at Sask. Pen. due to strike

By Nigel Maxwell

A nationwide strike involving over 150,000 federal employees remains ongoing.

Representatives from the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) remain at the bargaining table with the federal government. Wages and keeping up with the rising cost of living appear to be the main concerns. There’s also been discussion around protecting members who are being told to return to the job site after three years of being allowed to work from home.

In the meantime, strike action in Prince Albert has moved to the area outside the Saskatchewan Penitentiary, where dozens of union members gathered Thursday near the main entrance gate. Others were observed walking in the field area east of the prison, and a long line of vehicles sat parked along 15th Avenue West to show their support.

According to a statement posted on the Correctional Service of Canada Facebook page, services at the prison may be disrupted or delayed by the ongoing strike.

“Public safety continues to be our top priority and we continue to uphold essential services in our correctional facilities, communities, parole offices, and regional and national headquarters during this time,” the statement advised.

Anyone with family members serving time at the prison was encouraged to call the institution ahead of time for the latest updates before travelling.

Certain Parole Board of Canada (PBC) services may also be impacted.

“The PBC is making every possible effort to mitigate any potential disruption and to ensure the continuity of its services during any labour action,” the government said.

A second gathering of union members took place outside the Indigenous Services Canada office on Marquis Drive.

Roughly 300 PSAC members from the Prince Albert area are impacted by the strike. The affected departments include Agriculture Canada, Canada Revenue Agency, Fisheries, Northern Affairs, the RCMP and Veterans Affairs.