York Region’s municipal workers put on one last protest before the municipality forces them to spend at least 50 per cent of their time in the office.
More than 20 representatives and members of CUPE Local 905 staged the demonstration outside York Region headquarters in Newmarket June 26. The union is protesting the region’s plans to have flex workers start coming into the office at least 50 per cent of the time, starting July 1, as opposed to only being required to come in on designated “anchor” days.
CUPE Local 905 president Katherine Grzejszczak said they invited council members to attend to hear the workers’ concerns and stories, though none did.
“Management can always decide to change their policies or the way that they apply the policy. We don’t think it’s going to be a smooth transition,” she said. “There’s a lot of issues with people coming back. Accommodation is an issue. Finding space to work is an issue.”
While about 40 per cent of employees have had to come into the office on a permanent basis, the remainder have had more flexibility since pandemic restrictions subsided. But the region announced it would change the policy Feb. 27, which came after council members expressed concern regarding empty office buildings.
The union delivered a petition with more than 500 signatures opposed to the move in May. But Grzejszczak said talks with regional representatives have not led to any changes in the policy implementation.
Region director of corporate communications Patrick Casey said the region always welcomes feedback from union partners. He noted York Region CAO Erin Mahoney also met with CUPE Local 905 representatives after receiving the petition.
“The region’s flexible work arrangements policy is an administrative decision designed to benefit our customers, people and workplaces,” Casey said. “This updated policy responds to the desire for flexibility while providing a hybrid work environment to foster collaboration and innovation vital to providing our customers with excellent service.”
The union has questioned the move and argued it will harm productivity and worker well-being. Though there are no statistics on offer, Grzejszczak said she has also heard anecdotally from employees who are leaving or looking to leave the regional workforce over the decision.
CUPE Ontario president Fred Hahn attended the protest and said this is an important fight for building power.
“You deserve to be part of the process to decide what your work-life balance will be,” he said. “You have the support of our entire union in Ontario. All of the members across the province are standing with you. We will be here with you into this situation, like others at your local, so that you get justice for what you deserve.”
Employee Teresa, who asked to withhold their name due to fear of reprisal, said the fight goes beyond the employees of the day, also to their children. She also said there are environmental benefits to working from home, with fewer cars on the road from commuting.
“We don’t have the transit to facilitate everybody,” they said, adding the housing crisis has forced people to live farther away from York Region. "I’m a hybrid worker who is sometimes in 50 per cent of the time because I have to be and I’m responsible and I should be trusted. I’m an adult. I’ve proven that I can do my job. I don’t feel like it needs to be mandated. We’ll be here when you need us.”
