Despite ongoing negotiations and brisk winds coming off of the St. Clair River, morale was strong as striking federal public workers marched along Venetian Boulevard in Point Edward on Wednesday.
Local 47 President Syed Ali said members are willing to stand their ground "as long as it takes."
"All of our members are really very courageous, they are very strong," said Ali. "They are here, they want to stand together as long as it takes. They want to continue with this until our demands are met and our demands are very simple and very logical."
Ali said one of the sticking points in negotiations has been wage increases. The initial demand was a 13.5 per cent increase over three years or 4.5 per cent per year.
PSAC National President Chris Aylward provided an update during a rally in Ottawa Wednesday afternoon and accused the Treasury Board of not agreeing to shift its position on wages, even though the union had.
President Local 47 Syed Ali and Strike Captain Lisa Farrenkopf. April 26, 2023. (Photo by Natalia Vega)
Ali said with the rising cost of everything, including food and gas, has been especially difficult for single mothers.
While Ali said the majority of its members earn between $50,000 and $80,000 per year, Alyward said women make roughly $40,000 to $65,000 per year.
"The government should realize -- they know these things, they are responsible for all this inflation, for all the wrong actions they did and now they want us to suffer. This is not acceptable," Ali said.
Treasury Board President Mona Fortier released a statement on Wednesday and accused the union of putting demands on the table that were unaffordable.
"We are determined to land agreements quickly, just as we have already done with other unions, but we need the PSAC to start bringing their demands in line with the Public Interest Commission recommendations," said Fortier.
Ali said although members remain dedicated to the cause, they hope to return to work soon.
"I want and I wish that this is over as quickly as possible. The reason being, our citizens are suffering because of this, Canadians are suffering," Ali said. "We want to go back to our desk, we want to help our clients... our customers."
The strike has affected multiple businesses such as the Canada Revenue Agency, Canada Pension Plan, passport services, and assistance with employment insurance.
Wednesday marked the eighth day of the PSAC strike.
Strike Captain Lisa Farrenkopf said support from the Sarnia-Lambton community has been "fabulous" as vehicles repeatedly honked while driving toward the waterfront.
"They've been supporting us with treats, and coffee, and good wishes, horn honking," said Farrenkopf. "Other union retired members would like to come join our picket line. It's been fantastic, [we're] so appreciative."