Federal public servants gathered outside the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday to protest the government’s new requirement for employees to work on-site four days a week. Organized by the Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE), the demonstration questioned the efficacy and justification of the policy, which took effect the same day.

The protest featured speeches from several CAPE-represented workers who described their roles as primarily involving computer-based tasks and virtual meetings, which they argued do not necessitate increased physical presence in government offices. CAPE president Nathan Prier criticized the return-to-office plan as an inefficient use of taxpayer funds, highlighting that the federal government had previously promoted hybrid work as a cost-saving measure. He referenced the 2024 federal budget’s original pledge to reduce government office space by 50 percent, a goal that has since been modified amid new announcements about leasing and purchasing additional office accommodation.

The return-to-office mandate requires all non-executive federal employees to be present in the office for four days each week. Executives have been subject to a five-day in-office requirement since May 4. Prier contended that many public servants face lengthy commutes only to perform work that could be done remotely, describing the situation as “switching your chair” rather than a genuine increase in productivity. He also suggested the policy reflects political motives to scapegoat public servants for the federal deficit while expending significant public funds.

Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne addressed the concerns during an event in Ottawa launching the government’s prebudget consultations. He expressed appreciation for public servants’ work and emphasized the importance of delivering services to Canadians efficiently. Acknowledging changes to the earlier office-space reduction plan outlined in the 2024 budget, Champagne said the government is working with the Treasury Board to adjust infrastructure plans to support on-site work in the most effective way possible.

Meanwhile, the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), another major federal union, announced an increase to its strike fund on Monday. PIPSC president Sean O’Reilly described the contribution as a reflection of heightened tensions in the government’s relationship with unionized workers ahead of upcoming collective bargaining. The union cited concerns including job cuts, mandatory return-to-office policies they labeled “arbitrary,” increased dependence on private contractors, and growing demands on employees to deliver more with fewer resources.

Collective agreements between federal unions and the Treasury Board expire at varying times, depending on occupational groups such as program and administrative services, operational services, health services, and information technology. Negotiations for new contracts are expected to take place in the coming months as unions prepare for potential disputes over working conditions and government policies.