Listen to this article
Estimated 2 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Civil servants in the Nova Scotia government who have arrangements where they can do their jobs from home have been told they must return to their offices or work sites.
The Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union said the decision will affect more than 2,500 employees, many of whom have “shaped their lives” around remote work.
Effective April 20, all unionized employees are expected to be in the office, according to a government memo issued Friday.
“This change reflects our continued focus on collaboration, service excellence, and strong connections across teams, while supporting consistency across the civil service,” said a memo sent to Department of Opportunities and Social Development employees.
A spokesperson for the Public Service Commission said Friday there are roughly 13,000 civil servants who work for the province, so the change applies to fewer than a quarter of them.
Union president Sandra Mullen noted the provincial government is facing a $1.4-billion deficit. Premier Tim Houston has indicated the government is eyeing budget cuts.
“We are concerned as to how does government see this as assisting with his improving the budget here in Nova Scotia,” Mullen said in an interview. “I see it costing government more.”
While there were flexible work arrangements before COVID-19, the pandemic forced many civil servants to work from home. Some subsequently continued after the pandemic, including those who moved to more affordable areas further from their jobs, Mullen said.
Non-union employees previously ordered back to work
The memo noted non-union employees returned to the office in the fall of 2024. It said the next two months gives managers the time to speak with employees who have “unique challenges” or will have to make adjustments to return to the office full-time.
Ama Lorenz, a spokesperson for the Public Service Commission, said in an email the new rules don’t end “flexible work arrangements,” and options such as earned days off and modified work weeks will continue.
Mullen said half of those on remote work arrangements are in the Halifax region, and she believes the new mandate is aimed at getting more people back into the downtown.
MORE TOP STORIES
