OTTAWA — The Liberal government is showing no hints it will legislate public servants back to work as experts warn choosing that path to ending the dispute could come with political repercussions.
Federal workers with the Public Service Alliance of Canada walked off the job nine days ago after contract negotiations with the government couldn't find agreement on issues such as wage increases and remote work.
On Thursday, Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan refused to weigh in on the negotiations and the possibility of back-to-work legislation and said "we want and need an agreement soon."
"Sorry for being so evasive, but I have to be," O'Regan said. "I want a deal."
The government has avoided any questions about back to work legislation since the strike began April 19 and continues to even as the strike drags on and ministers are admitting the impact it is having on government services.
Michael Wernick, who headed the federal public service for three year as the clerk of the Privy Council, said while negotiations continue the government can't discuss a hypothetical like back-to-work legislation.
He said introducing such legislation prematurely could lead to accusations of bad-faith bargaining.
The minority Liberal government would also risk having to find friends among the Conservatives to get the law passed, while alienating the labour movement it has tried to build bridges with over the years.
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