Public service unions warn of job cuts after Treasury Board meeting

Public service unions are sounding the alarm bells about potential layoffs looming within the federal government. Following a meeting with the Treasury Board, where departments were briefed on the need to cut costs to achieve savings of $15 billion over the next four years, concerns about job losses have escalated.

Initially, the government had indicated that it planned to reduce the public service workforce by 5,000 positions through natural attrition as it shifted away from pandemic-related operations that had expanded to provide relief to Canadians. However, after the recent meeting, union representatives expressed fears that layoffs were inevitable.

“The government is broadening its scope, targeting term and casual employees for cuts, and paving the way for departments to reduce permanent staff through workforce adjustments,” stated the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) in a press release, vowing to resist these cuts.

Sharon DeSousa, the national president of PSAC, emphasized the negative impact that these cuts would have on families across the country. Drawing from past experiences, she warned that the repercussions of slashing public services would ultimately be borne by ordinary citizens.

Nathan Prier, the president of the Canadian Association of Professional Employees, echoed these concerns, labeling the non-renewal of fixed-term contracts as straightforward job cuts. He also cautioned that permanent staff members could be next in line for reductions.

In response to these warnings, a spokesperson for Treasury Board President Anita Anand reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving savings through natural attrition without compromising essential programs and services. The spokesperson clarified that the current cost-cutting measures were distinct from the austerity policies implemented during the previous administration.

However, internal memos circulated within various departments hinted at the possibility of layoffs. The Canada Revenue Agency informed its employees of impending “difficult decisions” as it sought to trim expenses during the transition away from pandemic operations. Similar messages were relayed by the Justice Department, signaling cuts to the salary budget while emphasizing a preference for minimizing the impact on employees through natural attrition.

Despite reassurances from the government, the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada expressed skepticism about the preservation of services to Canadians amidst the planned cuts. The institute raised concerns about the potential exclusion of young talent from entering the public service due to reductions in temporary, casual, fixed-term, and student positions.

Jennifer Carr, the president of PIPSC, highlighted the risk of creating a “forgotten generation” within the public service at a time when fresh perspectives and expertise are critically needed. Meanwhile, Marc Brière, the national president of the Union of Taxation Employees, warned of the adverse effects that cuts would have on services, describing the situation as a lose-lose scenario for both the population and employees.

As the federal government proceeds with its cost-cutting measures, the fate of public service employees and the quality of services provided to Canadians hang in the balance. The ongoing debate between unions and government officials underscores the complex challenges facing the public sector in navigating budget constraints while safeguarding essential services.