USJE strongly objects to the latest direction from the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) which will severely restrict the capacity of many of USJE members to work off site (or from home) for any amount of time, regardless of the role or the nature of the work undertaken by CSC employees represented by USJE. USJE has been adamant since the beginning of the pandemic that it is crucial for CSC to take a nuanced and flexible approach to hybrid work. The capacity for USJE employees to do their work efficiently using a hybrid approach was clearly demonstrated during the pandemic, and contributed to overall productivity within CSC, and the mental well-being of employees.
CSC has brought a severe interpretation to the most recent changes to the Treasury Board’s Direction on Prescribed Presence in the Workplace. The operational and administrative complexity of CSC is such that a singular approach is not suitable and will not effectively respond to the needs of CSC employees, and the population they serve.
In a conversation with USJE National President on Friday November 1st, CSC confirmed that there are 14 groups of employees that the department has defined as “front line workers”. These include: CX, ED, EL, GL, GS, HP, MD, ND, NU, OP, PH, PS, SW, and WP.
Due to this definition developed by CSC and CSC’s application of this term, hybrid work (as we have known it) “does not apply” to the employees in these 14 groups, according to CSC.
For these 14 groups of workers, CSC’s objective is to return to “pre-COVID” working conditions. CSC’s intention is to no longer use the terminology “flexibility” with these employees, most of whom are USJE’s members. In their view, all front-line workers are to be onsite 5 days per week.
CSC has advised National President Neufeld that its expectation is that “managers will manage” and determine:
- who and
- when telework can be approved for certain tasks or responsibilities.
CSC Management will consider the “operational needs” when approving telework on a case-by-case basis. CSC’s intention is to use the term “telework” for these “front-line workers” and go back to “how things were done” prior to the pandemic.
With this approach, CSC has no desire to identify a specific number of days of telework per week for members who are assessed as being “front line workers”
USJE has been an unrelenting advocate for hybrid work since the earliest days of the pandemic. USJE’s demands of the employer to maintain hybrid work arrangements and bring a flexible and nuanced approach have never changed. Over the last two years, USJE has led a series of rallies, email campaigns, and media interventions to highlight the long-term benefits of hybrid work.
The latest communication from the Correctional Service of Canada is one that USJE did not agree to. USJE wholeheartedly rejects its supposed merits and intent.
USJE will continue to advocate for a nuanced and flexible approach that will support our members’ work and their public safety mandate. More information will be shared in the coming weeks on how members can get involved and support the call to “scrap the mandate”.
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