No fewer than 155,000 public servants in Canada have threatened to embark on industrial action by Wednesday if the government fails to reach a wage deal.

Chris Aylward, the National President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), who revealed this, said the government has failed to meet the workers’ demands.

Mr Aylward said the aggrieved government employees work in more than 20 departments including the Canada Revenue Agency.

He added the public servants “voted overwhelmingly” last week to strike since they have been without a contract since 2021.

“These workers-like all workers- deserve fair wages and decent working conditions. Despite some progress at the bargaining table, our members are frustrated that while negotiations drag on, they continue to fall behind,” he said.

The industrial action could affect federal services and also delay tax refunds since about 35,000 workers walk out in the middle of tax filing season.

Travelers planning to renew their international passports ahead of summer could also be delayed as a result of the planned strike.

According to the Canadian Grain Commission, the industrial action might likely affect 65 per cent of its employees including most inspectors of outbound grain at the ports.

Canada is a major wheat and canola exporter.

Speaking further, Mr Aylward said the workers deserved their wages while reiterating that they are already frustrated.

“We have always said from day one, we need wages for our members that will keep up with inflation,” he added.

The tax agency workers had initially sought a pay bump of more than 30 per cent over three years while others are asking for 13.5% over three years.

Inflation peaked at 8.1 per cent last year.

Already, Canadians have been told to expect delays in the processing of income tax returns, immigration, and asylum requests.