Federal civil servants do not want to return to work

A majority of federal civil servants oppose face-to-face work three days a week, according to a survey.

Starting September 9, federal employees will be required to go to the office at least three days a week instead of the current two. For executives, a minimum of four days is required.

Nearly 90% of its 65,000 members “strongly oppose” the new regulation, according to data published Tuesday by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC).

Additionally, 75% of respondents plan to “contest” the decision, and 64% of those surveyed think they will “probably file a complaint.”

“PSAC members are happy and rightfully so. Management made an arbitrary decision that was not based on any evidence,” the union said in a statement released Tuesday.

Possible consequences

According to the PSAC, commuting to work three days a week would have “significant” consequences for these workers, with 91% of them expecting the costs of parking, childcare, meals and travel to increase significantly.

Also, 90% of those surveyed are concerned about commuting time and 89% are concerned about the balance between professional and family life.

The survey indicates that other concerns for workers are environment (84%), mental health (83%), job satisfaction (80%), lack of workplace (79%) and family responsibilities (73%). Work in office three days a week.

According to another PSAC study of 2,000 Canadians conducted last May by the firm Abacus, most Canadians (69%) say employees should have full-time or part-time work from home.

The union has filed several challenges against Ottawa in recent weeks.