Federal unions fighting back against three-day in-office mandate for public servants

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Multiple unions have come together to express their “vehement opposition” to the federal government’s decision to require its employees to work in-office three days a week, sending open letters to federal officials and planning a joint press conference taking place later this morning.

In a letter to Treasury Board president Anita Anand obtained by this newspaper, over 15 union leaders demanded “an immediate revocation” of the work-from-office policy change, as well as a meeting with the minister and “an unequivocal apology.”

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The federal government updated its policy on remote work last week, requiring public servants to spend three days a week in the office by mid-September.

The decision has been met with frustration from both employees and unions, many of whom have stated that they plan to file unfair labour practice complaints.

The unions involved include the Association of Canadian Financial Officers (ACFO), the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CAPE), the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO), the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC).

Their letter, dated May 8, said failure to address the unions’ grievances would cause “a summer of discontent and unyielding labour unrest, as we fervently exercise our charter rights and freedom of association.”

PSAC, CAPE, PIPSC and ACFO plan to hold a press conference at 11:30 a.m. this morning to “announce further actions opposing the government’s misguided three-day in-office mandate.”

Meanwhile, in another letter, the groups took a political stance, asking New Democratic Party of Canada leader Jagmeet Singh to withdraw his support for the Liberals.

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“What is particularly troubling is that the New Democratic Party of Canada continues to support a government that engages in such flagrant disregard for the rights and well-being of workers,” the letter said, arguing that the policy change both affected members and undermined the principles of fair labour relations and democratic governance. “We urge you, Mr. Singh, to reconsider your party’s stance and take decisive action by utilizing the mechanisms of power in the Liberal-NDP Confidence and Supply Agreement to hold them accountable.”

“The time for action is now, Mr. Singh. We implore you to stand with us in solidarity against these injustices.”

In their letter to Anand, the unions said the decision marked “the pinnacle of a years-long pattern of disrespect towards bargaining agents.”

“It has shattered whatever semblance of trust and confidence remained in this government’s ability to engage in fair and meaningful labour relations,” the letter said, noting that Anand signed letters of agreement committing to collaboration on remote work. “Without due consideration and consultation, all federal public service workers, whether directly affected by this mandate or not, will experience a loss of trust in the government.”

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The letter argued that Anand chose to “engage in backroom dealings with provincial and municipal politicians, business leaders, and management,” actions which it said “reek of betrayal and contempt.”

In an email statement sent to this newspaper before the release of the letters, Anand said the decisions on remote work “rested with deputy heads and departments.”

“These decisions must continue to prioritize the delivery of high-quality services to Canadians and prudent management of taxpayer dollars,” Anand said, adding that the policy change was a decision taken by the Treasury Board Secretariat, working with the Privy Council and deputy ministers from across the government “who are supportive of this change.”

More to come…

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