Hey, something similar happened to me, I checked twice with CIC can I apply for FWS Arranged Employment Option with my work permit (I have non standard work permit) and both times they said yes. At the end, after 4 months and after charging my credit card they rejected my application for PR because of the type of work permit I hold. The same day I decided to apply for CEC but my IELTS score was too low in one band for NOC level A, so I decided to take english exam again. Unfortunately I had to wait over 45 days to take the exam because there weren't any available seats (and for IELTS and for CELPIP) and I had to fly from Waterloo ON where I live, to Halifax Nova Scotia. At the end I managed to send my CEC PR application 20 days before my work permit expired and I applied for BOWP (I've send BOWP app by snail mail so it will take more time).
I would advise you to apply for CELPIP, their test is easier then IELTS (I took both of them), they will publish results 8 business days after taking exam and you can pay them additional, I think it's 15 dollars, to have them send official test results with priority mail.
If your BOWP gets rejected, you can apply for restoration of status if you received AOR. Or if you get lucky because of the strike you'll have enough time to send PR and get AOR while your BOWP application is in someone's desk. Just take english exam as soon as possible.
I just checked CELPIP web site, they have available seats for CELPIP general on 15th of August in Edmonton. If you apply for for that date, you can get your test results before end of August.
I uploaded CELPIP study guide here
http://billionuploads.com/1lg44t5o32iz