OTTAWA – Canada's largest federal public sector union, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), has filed multiple unfair labour practice complaints amid concerns over a new government directive mandating increased in-office work for public servants. Starting in July, public servants will be required to work at least four days a week in the office, while executive staff are expected to return full-time as early as May.
Sharon DeSousa, the national president of PSAC, announced that five unfair labour practice complaints have been lodged with the Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board in response to this directive. DeSousa emphasized that the government is attempting to alter the working conditions of union members during active bargaining negotiations, which she claims is illegal. "We’re currently in bargaining and the employer is trying to change the working conditions of our members, which is against the law," DeSousa stated. The union vowed to contest the government's move "every step of the way."
The federal government’s directive is said to affect public servants in core departments and agencies under the Treasury Board. The Canada Revenue Agency has also indicated it plans to adopt similar policies. A spokesperson from the CRA mentioned that they are currently reviewing how to implement the requirements across their workforce.
The tension around remote work has persisted since the onset of COVID-19, which transitioned many federal workers to remote setups in 2020. In 2023, the government attempted to balance remote and in-office work by requiring a minimum of three days in-office for public servants, while executives were required to be present four days a week. The change announced on Thursday updates this existing framework, increasing office time further.
Other federal unions voiced that they are also considering all possible actions to defend remote work rights. Nathan Prier, president of the Canadian Association of Professional Employees, revealed that his union's priority in upcoming contract negotiations will be to secure telework rights. He commented, “We are not ruling anything out because we know that this is an issue that has a major impact, not only on the lives and working conditions of our members but also Canadian taxpayers.”
Sean O'Reilly, president of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, mentioned that while they are open to discussing the government’s new in-office rules, they feel compelled to escalate their efforts if their concerns continue to be overlooked. O'Reilly suggested that a potential strike could occur down the line, depending on the negotiation outcomes. “It wouldn’t be in the next couple of months, but it depends on where those negotiations go,” he said.
According to Gilles LeVasseur, a professor of management and law at the University of Ottawa, the employer retains authority over work conditions. He argued that the union did not negotiate effectively regarding telework when their members were on strike in 2023. LeVasseur also pointed out that any agreement on telework made between the union and the government was vaguely defined and unlikely to be overturned by the board, even if recommendations are issued.
Concerns about the timing of the government's decision were raised by NDP MP Heather McPherson, who noted that many public servants are currently facing job cuts. "It’s a bad choice by this government," she asserted, indicating that Prime Minister Mark Carney seems indifferent towards the public servants essential for the country’s governance.
In the face of significant budget cuts, departments across the public service are alerting staff about impending job eliminations. The government aims to cut approximately $60 billion in program spending and administrative costs over the next five years, resulting in the anticipated loss of around 40,000 public service positions from a peak workforce of 368,000 in 2023-24. The workforce adjustments alone are expected to target the elimination of about 8,230 employee positions and 425 executive roles across 24 departments.
The Treasury Board has committed to engaging with unions to implement the new return-to-office plan, aiming to resolve practical aspects such as assigned seating and occupational health and safety considerations.
