Here's where police say PSAC strike will cause traffic issues

Ottawa police encourage drivers to avoid areas around some federal government offices where traffic congestion is expected because of public servants formingpicket lines outside.

There may be disruptions to transit routes anddelays are expected as Public ServiceAlliance of Canada (PSAC) employees started striking Wednesday.

Traffic first became congested Wednesday morning at Tunney's Pasture, Montreal Roadand Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa police said in a news release.

Tunney's Pasture government complex houses offices including Health Canada andStatistics Canada.

"Ottawa/Gatineau commuters who travel these routes are asked to be patient, continue to obey all traffic laws, and consider an alternative route when possible," police said.

Christopher Chow, a regional representative of PSAC, said the picket line at Tunney's Pastureis not meant to disrupt OC Transpo.

"We chose this picket specifically because OC Transpo ishere, so people would see us ... during their morning commute," he explained.

Chow said that the union has made it clear to workers on the picket lines that it doesn't "want anyone disrupting the regular flow of OC Transpoor people entering into OC Transpo." He added that people attempting to access the station can do so freely.

"Our goal here... is to disrupt the employers, to make our voices heard," Chow said. "Regular people of Ottawa, do not be afraid."

All pickets arein person, meaningeven those working from home have to show up in person to receive strike pay.

There are 13 picket lines in the region.The federal government has a listof 28departments and agencies that would be affected and what it knows about potential changes in the event of a strike.