The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada has filed an unfair labour practice complaint with the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board, challenging the federal government’s decision to expand its in-office requirement while collective bargaining is underway.
The complaint targets the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer’s move to increase mandatory office presence from three to four days per week, effective July 6, 2026. PIPSC has also filed a policy grievance over what it describes as a unilateral change to the Direction on Prescribed Presence in the Workplace.
Bargaining rights at issue
PIPSC argues the government changed terms and conditions of employment in the middle of active negotiations — a move the union says violates good-faith bargaining obligations.
“The government is required to bargain in good faith,” said PIPSC President Sean O’Reilly. “Imposing significant workplace changes in the middle of negotiations, without consultation, undermines that obligation and the rights of our members.”
Remote work and modern workplace practices are among the central priorities in current bargaining rounds, which cover the majority of PIPSC’s more than 85,000 members.
Consultation concerns
PIPSC says the announcement was made without proper consultation and conflicts with an existing Letter of Agreement between the Treasury Board of Canada and PIPSC on telework. The union says this decision is part of a pattern, citing what it calls the government’s failure to meaningfully consult on workforce adjustment measures.
No evidence has been publicly presented to justify the expanded on-site requirement, according to PIPSC.
“Healthy labour relations depend on stability and respect for the bargaining process,” O’Reilly added. “Our members deserve to have their working conditions negotiated — not dictated.”
Talent and retention concerns flagged
O’Reilly also raised concerns about the broader impact on the federal public service’s ability to attract and keep skilled workers.
“It takes experts to run a country,” he said. “Policies that make it harder to attract and retain those experts ultimately weaken the services Canadians rely on.”
PIPSC said it will continue to defend its members’ rights before the Board and at the bargaining table, and will provide updates as proceedings progress.
