Starting Monday, federal workers must begin going to work at least three days a week, even if reluctantly.
Under a directive announced by the federal government on May 1, civil servants must go to work at least three days a week starting this week. Managers must be in the office at least four days a week.
Until now, most federal workers were required to be in the office at least two days a week. Those rules were put in place in March 2023, two years after people began working remotely because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
When the directive was announced, Treasury Board President Anita Anand said the policy was already “two to three days a week” and would simply move to three days a week.
But federal public service unions don’t see it that way and have been protesting in various ways since the announcement. A rally is planned for Monday morning in Ottawa to oppose the change.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) also filed unfair labour practice complaints and policy grievances, as well as an application to the Federal Court. Just before the Labour Day long weekend, the Federal Court agreed to hear the case.
Despite the union’s promises to fight the new rules, civil servants will have to comply with them.
One concern among unions is that there won’t be enough space for everyone in the office. They argue that workers are already struggling to find available desks and meeting rooms.
In a statement, Public Services and Procurement Canada said it is working with federal departments and agencies to ensure sufficient office space is provided.