Public sector unions warn of "summer of discontent" over govt's new in-office mandate - May 8, 2024

The heads of Canada’s largest public service unions announce actions in opposing the federal government's new requirement for federal employees to work from the office at least three days a week starting Sept. 9. Most federal public servants currently have to be in the office at least two days a week.
Speaking with reporters are Chris Aylward, national president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), Sean O'Reilly, vice-president of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), Nathan Prier, president of the Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE), Dany Richard, president of the Association of Canadian Financial Officers (ACFO), and Alex Silas (PSAC regional executive vice-president for the National Capital Region).
The unions have filed a policy grievance and are preparing an unfair labour practice complaint due to lack of proper consultations. Union members are being encouraged to file tens of thousands of grievances over the new mandate. Aylward warns of "a summer of discontent" for the Liberal government if the current hybrid work policy is not maintained. Unions are also calling for the NDP to reconsider its supply-and-confidence agreement with the Liberals over the updated policy.