President’s Message: AWA responses begin to trickle in

Over the past couple of weeks, AMAPCEO has heard rumours that an unknown number of members at the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism have had their alternative work arrangement (AWA) requests reviewed. We believe approximately 50 requests have been reviewed, with some members receiving modified approvals (e.g., approval for one day when requesting two or three), while others have received denials. 

AMAPCEO has since demanded formal disclosure from both the employer (Treasury Board Secretariat) and the Ministry. 

While this is an important development for these individual members and hopefully a sign that more answers are forthcoming for our broader membership, we remain incredibly frustrated by the employer’s ongoing delay tactics and lack of transparency.

Frankly, it’s far too little, far too late. Hardworking public servants deserve better from their employer. 

Over 4,000 AMAPCEO members have submitted remote work AWA requests. The recently reviewed requests from the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism represent a measly 1% of that number. 

What’s the hold up? How many Directors does it take to approve a request? Sadly, that’s not the opening to a joke, but rather the reality of our present-day situation—despite AWA requests having been routinely assessed in less than 20 days for the past 15 years. 

After all, we know that the issue isn’t a lack of productivity when working remotely. Since the return-to-office edict was announced, AMAPCEO has pointed out that our members have incorporated remote work into their professional lives for years while continuing to provide an exceptional standard of service. 

And regardless of what the Premier claims, Treasury Board agrees with us. A list of “key messages” prepared for Treasury Board President Caroline Mulroney and recently obtained by Le Droit, states that the return to office is “not tied to any changes in oversight or operations and is not indicative of performance.” 

We also know that the employer doesn’t have the space to accommodate all employees in-office five days a week. We know this because of the personal horror stories members have shared about working in break rooms, on broken chairs, or in nooks and crannies currently being used for storage. 

Yet, per a recent CBC article, the government claims it hasn’t leased or purchased additional real estate to accommodate returning workers—something that just doesn’t add up in the workplace where many of our members haven’t returned five days per week because of a lack of space or are doing so in unsuitable accommodations. 

AMAPCEO knows remote work works. We know the employer does not have the space to implement their own edict. Hybrid work remains the solution. 

This handful of recently reviewed AWA requests must move from a trickle to a long overdue flow of responses. Members continue to experience the real impacts of a kneejerk reversal in flexible work policy. Workplace morale is at an all-time low. Six months in, we urge the OPS Employer to get down to good faith evaluation of requests.

In the coming weeks, as AMAPCEO’s receives greater disclosure, we will continue to share updates. If you find yourself in a circumstance where your Director does finally respond to your request, please contact a Workplace Representative or our office on how best to proceed. 

In the meantime, the union will continue to shine a light on ongoing workspace issues and substandard office arrangements our members are facing. Please share your concerns with us, inclusive of photos, and in return, we’ll continue with updated health and safety guidance. 

I urge all members to keep an eye on their inbox and on our website for updates on the return to the office, AWA, and Health & Safety matters. 

Stronger together,