Public sector unions push back on Ontario return to office mandate

The union is pushing back against the Ontario return-to-office mandate. CTV London’s Reta Ismail talks to locals, afraid to speak up.

Public sector unions are pushing back against Ontario’s return-to-office mandate, saying workers are afraid to speak out as thousands of government employees are expected to return to in-office work full time.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) held a provincewide day of action Monday, protesting the Ontario government’s decision to end hybrid work models and require employees to work in the office five days a week.

Workers were encouraged to spend their lunch breaks outside to call for a return to flexible work arrangements. In London, however, none of the nearly 150 Ontario Health at Home government employees at one local office participated in the planned rally. CUPE said fear of retaliation is keeping workers from speaking publicly.

“There are rallies happening across the province, but unfortunately, we’re seeing where members are feeling reprisal. They’re feeling fear of reprisal from the employer, from the government, and not wanting to come out and participate,” said Penny Lane, CUPE National representative.

One Ontario Health at Home employee spoke to CTV off camera, citing the benefits of continuing a hybrid work model.

“I find I’m more focused and more productive working from my home office at 100 per cent. Absolutely,” they said.

“I also save money, which is a huge thing right now because things cost so, so much … there’s no reason for us to go into the office.”

Starting Monday, Ontario government employees are required to return to the office five days a week, despite objections from public sector unions. Lane said hybrid work arrangements were in place long before the pandemic.

“Ontario Health at Home staff have been working hybrid schedules before the pandemic. There’s no reason that the government is enforcing this, telling workers that they must be in office when this work has been being done for years prior to,” she said.

Premier Doug Ford announced in August that thousands of Ontario civil servants would return to full-time in-office work by January, arguing that collaboration and mentorship require employees to be physically present.

Ford doubled down on the decision Monday, saying, “It’s great to get everyone back to work like every other normal citizen. You know, you go out there, and you show up five days a week and there’s arrangements. If they can’t make it in, they’re going to have to work within the bureaucracy.”

Employees, however, said several logistical issues remain unresolved. One worker told CTV there is not enough office space to accommodate everyone returning.

“There isn’t enough room at that office for all employees to be in there, so they’ve had to make our cubicle space much smaller to work in, which is has created a lot of angst amongst employees. Parking is a problem because there’s so many people in the office at the same time,” they said.

Ford acknowledged the concerns Monday, saying the province is working to address them while maintaining the return-to-office mandate.

CUPE said it will continue to push back against the policy, warning it could negatively impact morale and employee retention across the public service.