Government must stop flawed hybrid work plan for federal public service workers
December 15, 2022
Despite a week of denials, Treasury Board announced today it would unilaterally impose a restrictive hybrid work policy for all federal public service workers in the core administration.
This blanket policy mandates workers to come into the office 2-3 days per week, or 40-60% of their regular working hours; regardless of the operational requirements of their job.
The policy comes into effect January 16, 2023, and will be fully implemented by March 31. Agencies and separate employers have been urged to put in place similar policies.
The government’s decision doesn’t have the best interest of workers at heart and is completely at odds with the direction the government has been moving towards for remote work.
It’s unacceptable that right before the holidays, workers will be scrambling to make new arrangements for child care, transportation, and possibly relocating if they’ve been hired remotely and are now being asked to come into the office.
We demand that the government halt their plan. PSAC is reviewing all our options in response to this announcement, and will take the necessary steps to protect our members’ ability to work remotely.
Federal public service workers have proven they can deliver the services Canadians depend on, whether working remotely or in the office.
Remote work must be negotiated at the bargaining table
Remote work is a key issue at the bargaining table for PSAC’s 165,000 federal workers this round of bargaining, and unilaterally changing the terms and conditions of our members’ employment during negotiations is an egregious violation of workers’ collective bargaining rights.
The lack of clarity around the policy raises more questions than answers, and PSAC does not have confidence the government can put in place the health and safety requirements and the necessary tools for all federal public service workers to return to the office in the new year.
Members who have already returned to the office have told us they’ve come into the office without desks or chairs available for them, or returned to empty buildings to spend the entire day on video calls with colleagues working elsewhere.
We will continue to provide updates to PSAC members as we fight to protect our members’ rights.
Be engaged and be mobilized to be READY!!!
Dear members,
Most of you have received the email sent by the Deputy Minister’s office regarding the Treasury Board’s announcement that we will be mandated back to work in the office for 2-3 days per week.
This announcement has come to the surprise of everyone. Neither PSAC and CEIU were consulted in this decision and both will be fighting this decision. Already meetings are being had and plans are being made.
One thing is for certain, this will only help mobilize our membership. The Treasury Board knows that we are in Collective Barganing and that one of the main items being negotiated is the work from home.
I encourage everyone to voice their opinion. Whether you want to return to the office or not. We are not asking that everyone work from home, we are asking for the right to choose whether we work from home or not. Feel free to share the attached images on your social media, send it to your friends or family. Make sure Mona Fortier knows how much we appreciate her gift.
Let’s unite in solidarity!
SENT ON BEHALF OF CRYSTAL WARNER – National Executive Vice-President
This message is being sent to Service Canada locals across Canada.
Dear members,
I want to start by thanking you for your activism and service to our members. I am writing to you directly today to make you aware of a discussion held at the ESDC National Labour Management Consultative Committee (NLMCC) with the Deputy Minister Jean-Francois Tremblay on Monday, December 5, 2022. During the meeting, the DM Tremblay made the following statements:
- That he “was disappointed with employees” because they were given a choice and flexibility with telework and they chose to come into the office the least number of times possible.
- That he challenges our comments about family/childcare being an increased cost for those who are forced to come into the office.
- That not all employees are women, so the others should be coming in more often in person.
- That his intention moving forward will be that ALL employees will come in at least once or twice a week, if not more.
As you can appreciate, he was strongly challenged on these comments. I do not recall having ever been so astounded, or offended, by statements made by the senior most executive at ESDC.
Given the threat of his statements, rumours about an imminent announcement and the impact it will have on our members, as well as his comments about women, we will be actioning the following steps before the holidays:
- The National President and I have organized a meeting with the other national union leadership attending the NLMCC for a strategy session to discuss a common approach.
- I am writing to the Minister and other relevant parliamentarians regarding the comments made by DM Jean-François Tremblay and demanding action.
- We have made the PSAC aware and are collaborating with them in our efforts to what is likely to become a fight back campaign, with special consideration to the collective bargaining process. PSAC is very supportive of an internal shaming campaign on this topic.
- We have and will continue to use social media to conduct pressure tactics on the Deputy Minister and the Minister of ESDC.
- We have put this item on the agenda of all upcoming and relevant national meetings, and would encourage you to do the same at the local and regional level.
Thank you everyone for your consideration, this is a fight back campaign we must be united with. Please be aware this is an internal campaign for our members.
We encourage you to contact your leadership if you want to get involved. Stay tuned for more updates. And to you, our members, allow me this opportunity to wish you a happy and healthy holiday season. Thank you for all you do on behalf of our union and the labour movement.
In solidarity,
Crystal Warner
National Executive Vice-President
Your Chief Steward’s Report for the Southwest Conference:
Hello members! I recently attended the Southwest conference for the CEIU November 25 to 27, 2022. It was three days of non-stop learning. On the Friday, the PSAC regional representative, Morgan Oddie, gave some excellent information about a potential strike. One of the key points was members who have to strike would have their net pay covered by the PSAC ($75) and the CEIU ($50) and possibly – the local union. This is great news for anyone who might have to be on the picket line. The Union is looking out for us!
In terms of who would have to be on the picket line, it seems that 75% of workers would be labeled essential and have to attend the workplace (in person or virtually). 25% of workers would be on the picket lines. Members will receive a letter with their designation. Obviously, a lot more information will be communicated if we get to this point. It would likely be early Spring 2023 if a strike occurs.
Charito Humphries was there by Zoom to give an update about the bargaining team. It’s no secret that the employer is not willing to provide fair wage increases that keep pace with inflation and the cost of living. We all feel the pinch, at the grocery store (lettuce, anyone?!?), the gas pumps and in paying for housing. We worked hard during the pandemic years to look after Canadians, we continue to serve the Canadian public, and the employer needs to recognise it and compensate us fairly for the work we do.
I learned some great information about the duty to accommodate from Leslie McGee, a National Union Representative. The teaching and discussion is so helpful for your union executive as we represent our members. The more we learn, the better we can advocate for you.
One of the great things about a conference like this is the opportunity to meet some of our union leaders and other executive members. They have so much experience and knowledge to share. Various leaders such as our national vice-president for Ontario, Phil Matheson, and the National President, Eddy Bourque spoke and gave updates about union activities in the region and across Canada.
There was a lot of discussion about involving members in union activities and making sure members know what is happening with bargaining. The workplace has changed dramatically and so we are not able to meet people in the lunchroom or by the Keurig machine to have those chats. The local union is working to provide a safe, fair, and just workplace for everyone. We want you to know we are learning how to represent members and their concerns better every time we attend a conference like this.
As we face a potential strike, it is important for all of us as members to understand the issues and if it comes to a vote, to send a strong message to the employer that we are united in our desire for fair treatment! We are part of a strong, active union working for the Treasury Board and when we are united, we can change things for the better.
If going back to the office is not for you, then take action. United is the only way we can make this happen!!! Solidarity!!!
Remote work must be negotiated at the bargaining table
Statement from Chris Aylward, PSAC national president:
Speculation about an imminent announcement that would mandate all federal public service workers to return to workplaces a minimum of 2-3 days per week are deeply concerning and have serious implications for more than 165,000 PSAC members.
But let me be clear – any plans to unilaterally change the terms and conditions of our members’ employment and impose a mandatory return to offices would be an egregious violation of workers’ collective bargaining rights.
Remote work is a critical issue at the bargaining table this round not only for PSAC, but for hundreds of thousands of workers from all federal bargaining agencies.
On December 8, Policy Options reported Treasury Board is expected to introduce a new order outlining how many days workers would be expected to come into the office, but that the announcement has been delayed.
This news came as a shock to me and our union. PSAC immediately confirmed with Treasury Board that no blanket mandate around return to offices for federal public service workers is scheduled.
Treasury Board President Mona Fortier has committed to bargain in good faith with Canada’s unions. Imposing mandatory and arbitrary remote work for all federal workers would fly in the face of that commitment.
The uncertainty about remote and hybrid work and how it’s being unevenly applied across the federal public service is a major source of anxiety and frustration for workers.
That’s why PSAC is negotiating to enshrine remote work in our contracts; so that we can set rules around how these decisions are made, so that workers have a say in their working conditions, and have an avenue to advocate for themselves if they feel the policy is being applied to them unfairly.
There’s no doubt hybrid work is the way of the future for many public service workers, but the only place to make these decisions is at the bargaining table.
To the tens of thousands of workers who’ve continued to show up at their workplace day in and day out when times were tough to deliver essential services to Canadians:
Your efforts have kept Canada above water during the pandemic, and we continue to negotiate better working conditions for all workers – whether you work remotely or at your workplace full time – that will provide fair wages in the face of rising costs, safer, more inclusive workplaces and more job security.
It’s time for the government to deliver the respect you deserve, and to recognize remote work as a critical issue by bargaining in good faith. Complete the survey in the link below:
FINAL: 2023 PSAC Ontario Racially Visible Members Conference – open to all identifying members
FINAL Notice
2023 PSAC Ontario Racially Visible Members Conference
DATE: Friday, February 3-5, 2023
LOCATION: Marriott Toronto Centre, 1 Blue jays way, Toronto
Delegates:
PSAC Ontario Region members in good standing and who self-identify as Racially Visible may apply to be a delegate to this Conference. Priority will be given to members who are active champions of racialized workers’ rights in their union, workplace or community. The selection of delegates will take into account representation such as geography, Component, DCL, young workers and equity.
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS: December 12, 2022
For Registration or more information, please follow the links provided:
Registration Deadline: December 12, 2022
Call Out Letter
Application Form
Resolution Submission Deadline: December 28, 2022
Resolution Submission Form
Resolution Call Out Letter
For more information, please contact: Marion Kirin at kirinm@psac-afpc.com
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
December 6th is The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. It’s been over 30 years since 14 women were murdered at a university in Montreal, simply for being Women. Unfortunately, Gender Based Violence is still an issue that is escalating.
We encourage everyone to learn more and take action.
The Signal for Help is a simple one-handed signal someone can use to silently show they need help and want someone to check in with them in a safe way.
Our committee is committed to working on getting this information shared and the poster into public spaces as a community project.
Learn more here:
Some other helpful links:
In Solidarity,
PSAC London Regional Women’s Committee
Collective Bargaining mugs!! For your teams calls and more — open to all members!!!
Greetings,
For your attention and distribution to your local members please & thank you (our system is down at this time)
The CEIU Ontario Collective Bargaining Standing Committee is excited to launch our first mobilization drive.
To demonstrate solidarity with our bargaining team, we are providing a Collective Bargaining Mug to members, and we would appreciate a commitment from each of you to raise your mug in support of collective bargaining while on a virtual call with our employer. The CEIU Ontario Region is covering the cost of the mug and shipping. In addition, mugs are in limited supply.
Please share this link containing the mug order form and survey with your members.
We appreciate your hard work and dedication to our component and union during this trying and stressful time. We are calling on every one of you to support us as we endeavor to improve the lives of all members in the workplace.
In Solidarity,
Your CEIU Ontario Collective Bargaining Standing Committee
ceiu581.com 