Employees of Canada Revenue Agency went on strike Wednesday after efforts to reach a new collective agreement failed.
The 22,000 permanent employees as well as a number of its term employees are represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada. Picket lines were set up early Wednesday.
However, the CRA noted that Canadians continue to be responsible for meeting their tax obligations.
The CRA said in a release that in the event of a strike some of its services could be affected. In the interests of public safety and security, the CRA has designated positions to maintain the delivery of certain activities considered essential. These activities include:
- the issuing of the Canada Child Tax Benefit and other benefit payments;
- the issuing of the GST/HST Credit and other credit payments;
- the processing of objections relating to eligibility for the CCTB or the GST/HST Credit; and
- the handling of rulings and appeals relating to insurability for Employment Insurance benefits and eligibility for the Canada Pension Plan.
The two sides appear far apart on the issues of wages. CRA said it has offered a wage hikes of 2.25%, 1.75% and 1.75% (5.75% cumulative over three years), while it added the union is proposing an increase to the compensation package in excess of 17% over three years.