The employer informed ACFO-ACAF and all other federal unions late Thursday afternoon that they intend to increase the number of days public service members will be required to attend their offices to four, effective in July. Despite promises to consult unions in a meaningful way, we received 30 minutes’ notice of this unilateral decision.
ACFO-ACAF has made it clear, at every step of this process, that we stand ready to work in the spirit of collaboration and professionalism to help determine the right hybrid work model for the CT Community. Following our unfair labour practice complaint and RTO policy grievance, ACFO-ACAF and the employer reached a consultation agreement and struck a joint committee on remote work. We agreed to these steps in good faith.
The employer’s decision to proceed without consultation suggests they did not have the same good faith in mind. This is deeply disappointing, particularly since the Prime Minister promised unions would be consulted as recently as December 2025.
As of now, there are no changes to the Direction on prescribed presence in the workplace. Between now and July 6 we will press the employer for details and insist on the actual, meaningful consultation they assured us would take place.
In the meantime we will coordinate a response and prepare to bring this issue to the bargaining table when we begin negotiations later this year.
We will provide more information as it is shared with us.