Remote Work Clause Takes Center Stage as Canada’s Public Strike Reaches Day Seven

What’s going on:   

Tuesday marks day seven of Canada’s largest labor strike in recent memory. The conversation has shifted its focus to finding a way to incorporate a remote working clause into the collective bargaining agreement. While PSAC acknowledges that not every job can be performed remotely, it stated that it wants to stick up for those that can, according to Reuters.

Why it matters:   

The strike highlights the growing demand for flexible work arrangements, as many employees have found that they are more efficient at working from home. 

The outcome of this strike could set a precedent for how organizations worldwide approach remote work policies, potentially leading to a shift in the way success is measured – focusing on the quality of work rather than physical presence in the office. 

PSAC named remote work as its second priority after wages. The union is made up of 155,000 public sector workers, about a third of the country’s federal workers, according to CNN.

How it’ll impact the future:   

If PSAC succeeds in adding remote work protections into the collective bargaining agreements, it could inspire other unions and workers globally to push for similar provisions in their contracts. The strike also raises questions about the balance between employee preferences and managerial control. While many employees argue that they have become more efficient at working from home, employers and managers expressed concerns about losing their ability to manage teams effectively.