Not everyone is happy being in office 3 days a week and want to know what exactly the unions are doing and what they can do as an individual to help out. This article will act as summary of the actions that the unions are doing with some inferences and links.
The 4 major public service unions: CAPE, ACFO, PIPSC and PSAC have gathered united to have a united front against the Telework Mandate and held several virtual Townhalls.
PSAC and other unions filed a policy grievance in May and recently a Federal Court judge has ordered a full hearing to be held in PSAC’s challenge to the federal government’s Telework Mandate. This is a big step forward as the federal government has attempted to have the case thrown out or delayed but it will now be heard.
From the PSAC’s national convention in May 2024, members have voted in favour to commit $1 million in a remote work campaign. This campaign will raise awareness about the issues with the current Telework Mandate and respect the commitments the Employer has made to the unions and to formally consult the unions.
What can I the individual do?
Remember, the union is only as strong as our members. It is extremely to show support and solidarity.
- Sign the Petition to appeal the three-day in-office mandate
- Take a short survey: PSAC wants to hear your personal experience with the in-office mandate and how you’re willing to fight back.
- Use digital assets such as Teams meeting backgrounds, social media profiles photos or even a #RemoteWork posters
- Wear forest green in your in-office days to show solidarity with other unions
You can also file an individual grievance. The purpose of these grievances is to hold the employer accountable for arbitrarily amending the Direction and ignoring the principles for flexible working arrangements, as required by the management rights provision in the collective agreement and the Letter of Agreement on Telework.
Individual grievances should only be filed in the following circumstances:
- Where the amended Direction on prescribed presence in the workplace results in a member being arbitrarily required to work more days in the office
- Where a member has had an existing telework agreement disregarded or altered because of the Direction;
- Where a member experiences additional adverse impacts because of their membership in a human rights-protected group;
- Or, where a member has experienced losses or out-of-pocket costs because of the Direction.
PSAC has provided recommended wording for these individuals and the Local has a prefilled template to use but you must contact your Local Executive Team when submitting a grievance of any kind.
If you have a Duty to Accommodate issue (family status, medical, etc) instead, please contact the Local at local541.pdoc@gmail.com or talk to one of us when you see us and we can have a discussion.