Federal government workers gathered outside Les Terrasses de la Chaudière in Gatineau last Thursday afternoon to protest the Canadian government's plan for a return to office work.

Starting September 9, public service employees will be required to return to the office.

The Canadian Treasury Board stated regarding this matter that this decision is based on improving worker morale and productivity.

The Board also reported in a press release last May that requiring at least 3 days in the office each week reflects the benefits provided by ongoing personal interactions. These benefits include more effective collaboration and onboarding new talents, as well as building a strong performance culture aligned with the values and ethics of the public service, according to the statement from the Board.

The major federal unions, as well as the Public Service Alliance of Canada, also indicated that the opposite is true – since the introduction of the hybrid work model during the COVID-19 pandemic, productivity at work has improved.