A major public service union is calling for an investigation into the federal government’s decision to mandate a return-to-office policy for public employees. The Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE), representing around 27,000 federal workers, has urged a parliamentary committee to scrutinize the government’s directive that requires employees to work in the office three days a week. CAPE claims that the mandate, implemented after the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to significant operational failures.
Nathan Prier, president of CAPE, expressed concerns about how this decision has negatively impacted the public service, with workers reporting issues such as a lack of available office space, disrupted work-life balance, and poor morale. The union also claims that the mandate undermines the quality of public service.
CAPE is pushing for the committee to investigate the overall decision-making process, arguing that senior civil service management has failed to serve federal workers and Canadian taxpayers effectively. They believe the mandate was poorly planned and implemented, calling for parliamentarians to intervene.
In response, the federal government defended the return-to-office policy, stating it was an administrative decision aimed at improving collaboration and integrating new talent into the workforce. Despite opposition from multiple unions, including legal challenges, the government remains firm on its stance.
The standing committee is expected to announce its decision on whether to investigate this week.