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.
Join our actions to fight back against RTO
We remain steadfast in our commitment to opposing the RTO mandate and advocating for a future of work that respects and values public service professionals. This is a key moment to stand in solidarity and deliver our message loud and clear before the Sept 9 deadline.
PIPSC Rally Against RTO: Thursday, September 5:
We’re organizing targeted rallies to reach more decision-makers and increase public awareness of our cause. If you are in the NCR, join us for the next RTO Rally at 12 PM EST on September 5 at 300 Laurier. Click here to RSVP.
Join an RTO Virtual Town Hall:
Jennifer Carr (PIPSC President) Sharon DeSousa (PSAC National President), Nathan Prier, (CAPE National President) Dany Richard (ACFO President) will meet with union members to discuss RTO. Choose the event that works with your schedule:
Sign our petition:
On September 9, we plan to deliver a petition to different departmental deputy ministers demanding approval of a mass departmental exemption to return to office.
Sign your name
Send a letter:
Keep the up the pressure by sending an email to Treasury Board President Anita Anand. It takes just a few moments.
Send an email
Show your solidarity:
Wear forest green for all RTO activities and Labour Day. See our digital toolkit with zoom backgrounds, social media and email products.
Digital toolkit
Stay tuned:
Check your inbox and our website for regular updates on upcoming actions and how to get involved.
Here are some of the actions PIPSC has taken:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.