Remote work works, and we’re going to continue our fight for it

Remote work works.

For the last five years, AMAPCEO members have gone above and beyond working for the people of Ontario—from anywhere. From the office, the field—and yes, our home offices.

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) Employer was hellbent on removing your right to remote work in the last two rounds of bargaining. The Secretary of Cabinet wants unilateral control over where, and when, you work. AMAPCEO successfully fought back and preserved your ability to request an alternative work agreement, ensure it’s considered fairly, and dispute any denials.

I am incensed by this morning’s announcement that the OPS will be returning to five days in the office in the new year. The Secretary of Cabinet is now using policy to force through what couldn’t be wrested from us during free and fair collective bargaining.

AMAPCEO is going to continue to fight for flexibility for members who want it and stop the Secretary from dragging Ontario's hardworking public service back to the Stone Age.

If you have a formal, signed remote work agreement, there should be no change to your working arrangements for the duration of your agreement. If there is, please contact an AMAPCEO Workplace Representative right away.

If you do not have a formal, signed remote work agreement and would like to work remotely more often than one day a week (October 20–January 3) or at all (January 4 onwards), please request one from your Director now. We have an online tool at amapceo.ca/awa that will help you complete your request.

I’ve been in touch with the other affected bargaining agents in the OPS and we are already working on a coordinated response.

The OPS Employer says it aspires to be an “innovative, diverse, eco-friendly, and accessible workplace.”

If that's true, they will maintain this flexibility, which benefits both Ontario’s hardworking public servants and the people they serve.

For over five years, AMAPCEO members have incorporated remote work into their professional lives while continuing to provide the exceptional standard of service we are known for. 

The public has placed their trust in us, and time and time again we have shown that that trust is warranted. We have shown that we can, and should, be treated as the capable, trustworthy professionals we are—professionals capable of working for Ontario from anywhere. 

Stronger together,