After thousands of Ontario public servants returned to the office last week following an order from the Progressive Conservative government, workers’ unions have criticized the process as being disorganized and disrespectful. The unions highlighted that some ministries and agencies are still lacking adequate space to comply with Premier Doug Ford’s directive.
AMAPCEO, representing around 17,000 professional, administrative, and supervisory employees in the Ontario Public Service, expressed concerns over the disruptive nature of the return to office. According to Dave Bulmer, head of AMAPCEO, there have been challenges with accommodating workers due to space constraints, leading to ad hoc arrangements by local managers.
In August, Treasury Board President Caroline Mulroney announced that all 60,000 employees of the Ontario Public Service and related entities must increase their in-office attendance to four days per week starting October 20, with a full transition to full-time office hours by January 5, 2026. This marks a shift from the previous policy implemented since April 2022, which required employees to be in the office at least three days per week.
Despite efforts by the government and its agencies to secure additional office space through property acquisitions and lease agreements, challenges persist in meeting the set timeline. Bulmer noted significant space shortages in entities like the Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) and Ontario Health, where entire floors are needed to accommodate returning workers.
Approximately 10,000 AMAPCEO members returned to the office for four days per week, while about 6,000 members with existing hybrid work arrangements will continue to have those honored. Many workers have also applied for flexible work options amid the return to the office, adding to the complexity of the situation.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) described the return to office order as a direct show of disrespect toward workers. Union members, including Amanda Usher, voiced frustration over the lack of clear communication and logistical support from the government, leading to confusion and uncertainty among employees.
While the government spokesperson emphasized that most OPS offices have sufficient space for the return, opposition leaders like NDP Leader Marit Stiles and Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner criticized the decision-making process. Stiles emphasized the need for prior consultation with workers, while Schreiner labeled the mandate as a mere formality that could exacerbate traffic issues in the Greater Toronto Area.
Overall, the return to the office for Ontario public servants has been met with challenges, including space limitations, lack of consultation, and concerns about the practicality of the government’s directives.