UNE National President Kevin King:
“The teleworking arrangements seem far short of our nominal expectations during this COVID 19 health crises. Treasury Board and Separate Employers need to do better.”
The government has announced that federal public service workers will be allowed to work from home where possible during the COVID-19 virus outbreak. However, departments and managers have been given individual discretion on how and when to grant permission to telework. This creates a patchwork approach that leaves our members and the public at risk.
We’ve been very clear: anyone who doesn’t need to be at their workplace should be given the ability to work from home.
We’re calling on the government to issue a comprehensive telework policy for all federal public service workers – unless their jobs are deemed essential – to help prevent the spread of the virus.
To further protect the safety of all workers, especially frontline government workers and the people they serve, we’re calling on the government to:
- Provide protective equipment like masks and gloves to all workers who need them, especially frontline staff like Border Services officers, Service Canada employees and post-secondary workers;
- Offer additional paid days of leave for all sick or self-isolated federally regulated workers rather than depending on sick leave.
- Develop and share an infection control program with staff and unions;
- Continue to keep unions informed of all COVID-19 developments as they evolve.
PSAC members have the legal right to a safe and healthy workplace, and we’ll work closely with employers to find solutions wherever possible.
Find out more about the COVID-19 pandemic, or your rights at work as a PSAC member.