Ontario government employees are now required to return to the office five days a week, as the mandate took effect on Monday, sparking dissatisfaction among unions and public service workers. The president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), JP Hornick, criticized the mandate, calling it outdated and impractical due to issues like insufficient office space and lengthy commutes in today’s work environment. Hornick mentioned that some organizations, such as the LCBO, have faced delays in implementing the mandate due to space constraints.
Despite approximately 10,000 requests for alternative work arrangements submitted by employees, the union has not received any updates on the review or approval of these applications. Hornick expressed concerns over the lack of consultation with workers and the union before the mandate was issued, questioning who ultimately benefits from this decision.
In August, Premier Doug Ford instructed provincial government employees to return to the office full-time starting in the new year, transitioning from a previous policy that required employees to be in the office three days a week since April 2022. Ford believed that this move would boost productivity and support local businesses that rely on downtown foot traffic. However, Hornick disagreed, emphasizing that commuting time could hinder workers’ efficiency and negatively impact businesses outside downtown areas that thrived during remote work setups.
During an unrelated news conference, Ford reassured that there is sufficient office space for the majority of employees, downplaying concerns over office space availability as a minor issue. He highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the construction of a tunnel under Highway 401 and the upcoming Eglinton LRT, as solutions to alleviate traffic congestion and improve transit options for employees.
Meanwhile, members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) at Ontario Health atHome staged a provincewide protest against the return-to-office mandate, advocating for a hybrid work model that they believe saves costs and enhances quality of life. Workers gathered outside their office premises during lunch break to express their discontent with the mandate, citing benefits like reduced commuting expenses and increased productivity while working remotely.