FEDERAL NDP’s Labour critic Alexandre Boulerice, in reaction to the Public Service Alliance of Canada’s strike action for 500 civilian staff working on Canada’s military bases in Ontario and Quebec, said on Monday: “It is deeply disappointing that the federal government has been unable to reach a fair agreement with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) for 500 civilian staff working on Canada’s military bases in Quebec and Ontario. These dedicated workers answer calls from our Canadian Forces seeking crucial support for their well-being and for morale.”

He added: “These workers’ asks are reasonable: fair wages and job security. With sky-high grocery prices and rent, these workers are fighting to protect their livelihood and to get the respect that they deserve. They are currently among the lowest paid of all federal public service workers.

“Unlike the Liberals who failed to reach a fair agreement with their workers and the Conservatives who have voted against fair pay and better working conditions every chance they had, Jagmeet Singh and the NDP will always stand with workers fighting for their rights.”

The NDP called on the Liberals not to interfere in these workers’ right to strike, and to swiftly come to the negotiation table with a fair agreement that respects these workers who serve to ensure that Canada’s forces and their families are provided with the services and programs they need.