Public Service Unions Promise ‘Summer of Discontent’ Over In-office Policy

Public Service Unions Vow to Bring ‘Summer of Dissatisfaction’ Against In-office Policy

May 8, 2024 TruthUSA

Public service unions are planning to initiate additional legal challenges and grievances regarding the new mandate requiring federal employees to work from the office at least three days a week.

These unions are vowing a “summer of discontent” in response to the policy recently introduced by the federal government.

Chris Aylward, president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, stated that the NDP is backing the unions and he anticipates the party to confront the Liberals on this matter.

However, during a press conference on Parliament Hill, he refrained from urging the NDP to withdraw its support for the minority government.

The updated regulations, which also mandate that executives must be present in the office for at least four days a week, will come into effect on Sept. 9.

Anita Anand, the Treasury Board President, mentioned that the government holds the authority to implement these changes and that hybrid work arrangements are not included in the collective agreements with the unions.