AFPC Threatens Legal Action Over In-Office Work Mandate

The largest federal public sector union in Canada has announced its intention to take legal action against a new in-office work mandate. This mandate requires government officials to be present in the office at least four days a week starting in July. Senior officials are expected to return full-time by May.

AFPC’s Stance on the Work Mandate

The Alliance of Canadian Public Employees (AFPC) argues that changing telework policies during ongoing contract negotiations is grounds for legal action. The union has expressed its commitment to “do everything in its power” to overturn this decision.

Union’s Legal Actions

• AFPC plans to challenge the government’s directive.
• The union states that “nothing is off the table” regarding possible legal action.
• The focus is on the impact of the new rules on public servants.

Details of the Federal Directive

The federal directive primarily targets employees in departments and agencies under the Treasury Board. Additionally, the Canada Revenue Agency has indicated that it intends to implement similar in-office work requirements.

This decision has raised concerns among union members, leading to the potential for a significant legal battle between the government and the union.