Over the past few weeks, many of you have shared frustration, anger, and concern about the employer’s Return-to-Office (RTO) directive and changes to Alternative Work Arrangements (AWAs).
CERC wants to be clear: we do not support this mandate!
It is disruptive, inequitable, and dismissive of the proven success of remote and hybrid work models that OPS members have managed effectively for years. This approach undermines trust, harms work-life balance and disregards the commitment of public service professionals who keep Ontario running.
But remember, YOU are the union.
Every conversation, every grievance, every act of solidarity builds our collective strength. But real power lies in all of us being Unified for fairness, respect, and worker rights.
What CERC Is Doing
CERC continues to take concrete action to defend members and challenge this employer-driven directive:
Challenging the mandate:
An application has been filed with the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB), asserting that the employer’s RTO rollout is premature and violates the statutory “freeze” period during bargaining.
Negotiating limitations:
We are actively engaging with the employer to limit the scope, timelines, and impacts of the directive and follow the process in what has been negotiated in Appendix 42 of the Collective Agreement.
Guiding members:
Based on legal advice, a central policy grievance will not be filed at this stage to protect the OLRB application. However, members are encouraged to file individual grievances when their rights are impacted.
Providing clear tools:
We’ve issued detailed guidance on how to proceed with AWA requests, including:
- Submitting or re-submitting AWA forms under protest
- Attaching previous approved templates
- Filing grievances
Read more and access resources here:
CERC Updates: Return to Office and Alternative Work Arrangements
What You Can Do
Know your rights. Review the resources and follow the steps outlined by CERC.
Document everything. Submit AWA requests in writing and keep copies.
File grievances. A week without a response is long enough. No response is a response.
Support your coworkers. Solidarity matters most when not everyone is equally affected.
Stay informed. Attend local meetings, talk to your leadership, and follow official OPS Unified updates.
Take Action
Share your Story – How has RTO impacted you
Sign the Petition – lets keep hybrid work in the OPS!
Being Unified Is Our Power
While approximately half of our OPS Unified membership is directly affected by the RTO or AWA process, solidarity means supporting every member. Many of our frontline workers don’t have the option to work remotely, yet, like all OPS Unified members, they continue to demonstrate exceptional dedication and professionalism in serving the people of Ontario.
This fight isn’t only about where we work or office space, it’s about respect, fairness, and the future of work in the Ontario Public Service.
Together, we are Unified. Determined. Strong. We are OPS Unified!
In Solidarity,
The Central Employee Relations Committee (CERC)
Amanda Usher – Chair
Chris Eckert – Vice Chair
Leslie Aiston