Contract talks have broken down between Ottawa and the 155,000 striking members of the Public Service Alliance.
The local representing 260 workers who live between Timmins and Kapuskasing have stepped up picketing. In addition to Hollinger Park, they’re picketing a couple times a day outside the two downtown Timmins buildings where they work.
Courtney Racicot says they all want a fair contract that includes a decent raise, and the ability to work from home.
“What we’re asking for is very reasonable, so we’re hoping to get back to the table soon, Says the senior program adviser in the Old Age Security program. “We want this over quick.”
Racicot likes the downtown walks.
“It keeps morale up. We want our essential workers in the buildings know that we’re out here for them, that’s really important. So we’re making sure that they know we’re here.”
The sticking points are the ability to work from home, and a raise. The union wants 13.5% over three years. The feds are offering just less than 9% over three years.
