More than 1,000 federal officers needed help adjusting to returning to the workplace, the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) lamented, denouncing the “logistical nightmare” of returning to face-to-face contact.
The union, which represents some 72,000 federal and provincial officers, reported numerous challenges members face as they return to office, which is mandatory two days a week in mid-January.
“Concerns expressed by members of the institute relate to workplace safety, availability of office equipment and basic equipment, network capacity, breach of employment contracts, adjustment measures, availability of before and after school childcare,” the PIPSC enumerated .
According to the union, many civil servants have to go to work haphazardly because their jobs are not ready, and several ministries were stunned by the announcement.
“The same people who developed PKU from home are now wasting time setting up and tearing down makeshift cafeteria workstations every day,” PIPSC President Jennifer Carr gave an example.
The search for part-time care also makes life difficult for parents. “Think of the panicked effort you have to go through on a snowy day and imagine suddenly having to muddle through two or three days a week,” Carr said.
The union contacted the government and invited them to discuss possible solutions to improve the situation.