On May 22, 2026, the NRC sent an email to employees stating its intent to increase mandatory on-site presence to 4 days per week, starting July 6. Following this announcement, we want to share our perspective and clarify the NRC’s statement that bargaining agents were consulted.
At the most recent consultation meeting, the NRC stated its intention to follow the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) directive. However, no new information was provided, and there was no opportunity for meaningful discussion or feedback.
Union representatives emphasized that consulting bargaining agents before making further announcements about on-site work would help provide greater clarity and transparency than in previous return-to-office decisions.
In late March, PIPSC and RCEA representatives sent a joint letter to NRC President Mitch Davies requesting consultation on return-to-office plans. The letter outlined our concerns and offered to work collaboratively on this issue. We have not yet received a response.
We are disappointed that there was no opportunity to discuss members’ concerns before this announcement and that the consultation process was presented as having already taken place.
The TBS directive is not supported by evidence showing that increased on-site work improves outcomes. Throughout the past several years, our members have consistently demonstrated that they can work effectively and efficiently from remote locations. PIPSC will continue to challenge the one-size-fits-all on-site approach in consultation meetings and during collective bargaining.
If you have any questions, please email rorco@pipsc.ca.