The Public Service Alliance of Canada has filed a complaint against the federal government's new requirement for some employees to work in-office up to four days a week, arguing that it undermines the benefits of remote work.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) has raised concerns over the federal government's new mandate requiring certain federal employees to work in-office for up to four days a week, leading them to file an unfair labour practice complaint. PSAC national president Sharon DeSousa expressed astonishment at the directive, emphasizing that deputy heads were informing employees about being required to work in-office, contrary to a growing preference for remote work arrangements among workers.
DeSousa highlighted that numerous studies, including data from Statistics Canada, demonstrate that remote-capable federal workers not only exhibited increased productivity but that hybrid work models could yield significant savings for the government, estimated at $6 billion in avoided costs associated with maintaining underutilized office spaces. This stance from the union suggests a deepening divide between traditional in-office working expectations and the burgeoning acceptance of flexible working arrangements in the public sector.
The labour complaint signifies a broader conflict between union interests and government policies surrounding workplace arrangements. As remote work continues to be a preferred option for many employees post-pandemic, the implications of such mandates raise critical questions about employee wellbeing, operational efficiency, and the future direction of work in the federal government, especially in light of evolving perceptions around workplace flexibility.
