Return to Workplaces

We strongly disagree with a one-size-fits-all approach that has no evidence to support it, puts our members’ health and safety at risk, and undermines employee productivity, which negatively impacts the services Canadians rely on. 

We support the principle of “presence with purpose”:  being at the office when justified by operational needs. We continue to advocate for what was promised: a hybrid-by-design approach that considers employees’ unique circumstances and job requirements.

We want this government to stop barrelling toward an unnecessary confrontation and negotiate telework with us, at the bargaining table, where this issue belongs.

We are fighting to make your voices heard. 

Here are some of the actions PIPSC has taken:

1. Member Engagement:  Our RTO member survey collected crucial information from members on their day-to-day experiences. The survey highlighted the significant challenges our members face under the new mandate, with less than half of our members feeling that their current working conditions meet their needs. We also launched a letter-writing campaign to Members of Parliament and Treasury Board President Anita Anand. We encourage members to continue to support this action. 
2. Continued Advocacy: We have continued to maintain pressure on the federal government through a range of strategic approaches. PIPSC has filed policy grievances challenging the employer’s decision and their lack of consultation prior to taking such an important decision, filed unfair labour practice complaints, and sent multiple letters and meeting requests to Minister Anand. Despite our ongoing efforts, we have yet to receive a meaningful response.
3. Solidarity with Sister Unions: To amplify our message, we’ve joined forces with sister unions PSAC, CAPE, and ACFO. We participated in a joint press conference when the mandate was announced, showed our solidarity in joint rallies across the NCR at Ottawa City Hall and Terrasses de la Chaudière, supported our AFS members in front of CRA headquarters, boycotted National Public Service Week, and will be actively involved in future rallies and Labour Day events.
4. Major Media Push: We’ve pressured the government and rallied public support through extensive media coverage. We have been pleased to see our messaging amplified by CBC, CTV, Radio-Canada, the Globe & Mail, the Hill Times, and the Ottawa Citizen.
5. RTO FAQs: We have updated our FAQs with the latest information and guidance. 

We know this hasty order has created a logistical nightmare of the government’s own making. We’ve heard hundreds of stories of offices that feel more like construction sites, employees forced to work from cafeterias, or teams taking video calls from different floors of the same building.

Regardless of how you feel about your return, the employer has an obligation to ensure you have everything you need to do your job and to do it safely.

We won't stop fighting against the federal government's "one-size-fits-all" rule.  They promised a hybrid-by-design plan – and we are going to push them to deliver on this promise.