Majority of the applicants are now aware of the PAFSO union members strike from Jun 6th ( work-to-rule from April ), who are responsible for issuing VISA.
As of July 15th, 2013 there is no closure to this strike and more than 30000 applications affected by this strike all over the world.
Government Possible Measures :
1. Passing a Back to work legislation.
2. If Back to work legislation voting fails, then go back to negotiation table.
When will they pass this Back to work legislation:
1. Create considerable pressure on the economy and on public to make sure the voting happens in favor of Back to work legislation. This can be achieved only by delaying the time and create pressure.
2. The next house of commons session is on September 6th, that's when it might be passed. This will give them 3 months from the official date of strike which is June 6th.
What should they do:
1. They should create a new contract for all the employees of that department (or) nominate a negotiator and talk with both parties
Why PAFSO is striking:
They have high probability of getting an increase in wages, new contracts with increase in wages, or simply new contracts. If they strike until they pass this law.
How long they will strike:
They have nothing to loose , when the law is passed they will get new contracts and arrears based on the 'strike law'.
Who looses what:
The applicants loose their patience, some loose their jobs, some loose money, many fail to be with their family
Who will handle the loss to government because of the strike:
The loss incurred due to this service is estimated to be more than 300 million in tourism alone, other taxes from students and work permit applicants go up to 500 million to a billion. How will government bare this but not a simple pay rise which will cost them 30 million .
This part of puzzle I am not sure , but there should be a definite let out that's why government is lethargic.
Summary
Unless an emergency house of commons is called for and a back to work legislation is passed (or) PAFSO withdraw the strike (which is more unlikely) or a true negotiation is made ( which is 30% likely) the strike will not end before SEPTEMBER 2ND WEEK.
But truly wishing for a closure soon.
References :
http://www.ciu-sdi.ca/?p=129625
http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/07/05/its-a-mess-effects-of-ongoing-strike-by-canadian-diplomats-widely-felt-and-very-costly/
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2011/06/15/f-faq-back-to-work-legislation.html