Canadian public sector strike leaves migrants in legal limbo
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The strike has impacted everybody from refugee claimants, migrant workers, and sponsored relatives.
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Public sector workers affiliated with the PSAC union protest for higher wages, April 19, 2023 (Social media)
Following Canada's third week of public workers' large-scale strike, hundreds of migrants have been rendered in legal limbo as hearings and applications have been either canceled or postponed.
The strike has impacted everybody from refugee claimants, migrant workers, and sponsored relatives, Reuters reported, citing local lawyers.
Many wishing to migrate to Canada are left abroad waiting, while migrants inside the country are left waiting uneasily wondering if their permits have effectively expired or not. Under the same effect, Canadians with scheduled trips, waiting on passports, remain trapped inside the country.
Around 155,000 public sector workers in Canada have been on strike since April 19, calling for wage raises and remote work accommodations, among other things.
Immigration is a key driver of Canada's economy, given the country's small population and low birth rates. Some employers are reporting a lack of needed staff, and the government's 2025 agenda of allowing 500,000 new residents in has been put on hold.
Read more: Romanian, Indian families found dead crossing into US from Canada
Back in April, 155,000 public service workers went on strike following a call by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) union after failure to reach a final pay agreement with the Federal government: teachers, firefighters, insurance employees, and Coast Guard teams, among others, have all abstained from fulfilling their duties.
Read more: 155,000 public workers strike in Canada demanding a pay raise
