Liberal MP Bruce Fanjoy from Carleton has diverged from his party to express disapproval of the federal government’s latest return-to-office (RTO) directive. Federal public servants were instructed last week to resume office work four days a week beginning in July, an increase from the current three days. Executives are expected to return five days a week starting in May.
In a social media post on Monday, Fanjoy urged the government to reconsider the decision, citing a lack of evidence that a uniform RTO policy would enhance productivity or service quality. Fanjoy, representing an Ottawa constituency with a significant number of federal employees, argued that mandating a four-day office return would incur higher costs for the government, contribute to pollution, and create challenges for workers in balancing their professional and personal obligations.
When contacted for further comment, Fanjoy’s office declined to provide additional insights. Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali briefly acknowledged Fanjoy’s letter during a media interaction on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of respecting diverse viewpoints.
The RTO mandate has also faced criticism from public sector unions. Sharon DeSousa, president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), denounced the directive as disrespectful to federal public service workers nationwide. PSAC has lodged five complaints of unfair labor practices against the government in response to this decision.
Addressing concerns over remote work regulations, the government is set to collaborate with unions to implement the new RTO strategy, focusing on issues like seating arrangements, occupational health, and safety. Prime Minister Mark Carney previously pledged a forthcoming comprehensive plan, with Fanjoy advocating for flexibility in the transition back to office work to alleviate congestion in urban settings.
Fanjoy, who won the Carleton seat in the last election, ousted Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in April.