Despite union protest, new hybrid work rules for federal employees kick in Monday

Public service unions will start the week with an early-morning rally opposing the policy. But despite the unions' 'summer of discontent' and an ongoing court challenge, the new rules will still kick in on Sept. 9.

On Monday, federal public servants will return to the office a minimum of three days a week— if grudgingly.

Public service unions will start the week with an early-morning rally opposing the policy. But despite the unions’ "summer of discontent" and an ongoing court challenge, the new rules will still kick in on Sept. 9.

The unions are pledging to keep fighting, even as they acknowledge it will take time.

"We may not win this tomorrow. We may not win this next week. But if we continue to fight, this is the new future of work for federal public servants and for workers everywhere," Jennifer Carr, president of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, told an earlier rally on Thursday.

Ottawa announced the policy, which also stipulates that executives will have to be in the office at least four days a week, in May. The unions responded by pledging a "summer of discontent."

That included moves by the Public Service Alliance of Canada to file unfair labour practice complaints and policy grievances, as well a Federal Court application. Just before the Labour Day weekend, Federal Court agreed to hear the case.

That decision by the court "does not affect the decision on increased in-person presence," the Treasury Board said in a statement, noting both parties will have a chance to present their arguments to the court.