Canada’s new government won’t rule out a four-day office mandate for federal workers, sparking renewed debate over hybrid work and union resistance.
Return-to-Office Rules Under Review in Ottawa
The new federal government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, is not ruling out stricter in-office mandates for public servants. While current rules require federal employees to be in the office at least three days a week, recent statements suggest that a four-day or full-time return may be on the table.
Hybrid Work Still Official—For Now
The Treasury Board maintains that its hybrid model remains in effect, allowing eligible federal workers to work remotely up to two days a week. A spokesperson said this arrangement, updated in Spring 2024, aims to balance service delivery with workplace flexibility and mirrors practices in many Canadian organizations.
Private Sector Setting the Tone
Recent moves by major Canadian banks like RBC and Scotiabank to mandate four days in-office signal a broader trend toward reduced remote work flexibility. This shift in the private sector is influencing public discourse on how federal employees should be managed.
Unions Continue to Push Back
Public sector unions, especially the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), have strongly opposed the return-to-office mandates since their rollout last fall. PSAC filed a legal challenge and has cited hybrid work rights as a top issue in ongoing collective bargaining with the government.
Compliance Remains Uneven
Internal records show uneven adherence to the current three-day mandate. Departments like Employment and Social Development Canada reported over 25% non-compliance in certain weeks. In response, new tracking tools—dubbed “low on-site connectivity reports”—have been introduced to monitor where staff are logging in from.
Leadership Signals Room for Policy Shifts
Deputy Clerk Christiane Fox previously acknowledged that return-to-office guidelines may be “adjusted” based on operational needs. With Michael Sabia now serving as Clerk of the Privy Council, speculation continues over whether a more stringent presence policy will be enforced.
Budget Cuts May Drive Decision
Union leaders argue that expanding remote work could help achieve departmental savings during the federal spending review. PSAC President Sharon DeSousa has urged the government to reconsider its in-office mandates in light of potential cost efficiencies.
What’s Next for Federal Workers
As policy reviews continue under new leadership, federal employees face uncertainty over their work arrangements. Any changes to the hybrid model could redefine the future of Canada’s public service and reignite labour disputes heading into the fall.
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