Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate

Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate

CTV News

May 8, 2024

Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.

3-day in-office mandate draws formal complaint from federal unions

 Power & Politics

CBC News

 • May 8, 2024

The federal government is directing public servants to be in the office three days a week starting in September. Now, several federal public service unions are formally complaining and say the government is undermining collective agreements. Chris Aylward, national president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, says the union was 'misled,' and wasn't consulted. Also, the Power Panel weighs in on the politics of hybrid work requirements for public servants.

Public sector unions speak out against govt's return-to-office mandate – May 8, 2024

Streamed live on May 8, 2024

The heads of Canada’s largest public service unions announce actions in opposing the federal government's new requirement for federal employees to work from the office at least three days a week starting Sept. 9. Most federal public servants currently have to be in the office at least two days a week. Speaking with reporters are Chris Aylward, national president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), Sean O'Reilly, vice-president of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), Nathan Prier, president of the Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE), Dany Richard, president of the Association of Canadian Financial Officers (ACFO), and Alex Silas (PSAC regional executive vice-president for the National Capital Region). The unions have filed a policy grievance and are preparing an unfair labour practice complaint due to lack of proper consultations. Union members are being encouraged to file tens of thousands of grievances over the new mandate. Aylward warns of "a summer of discontent" for the Liberal government if the current hybrid work policy is not maintained. Unions are also calling for the NDP to reconsider its supply-and-confidence agreement with the Liberals over the updated policy.