The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has informed its employees that they will be required to return to the office four days a week starting in July, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the union representing tax workers. The internal memo, issued on May 21, outlines the agency's plan to increase in-office presence, even as a significant portion of its facilities lack adequate space to accommodate the change.
Union Expresses Strong Disagreement
Marc Briere, president of the Union of Taxation Employees, voiced strong opposition to the decision. "We strongly disagree with the decision made by the CRA," Briere told the Ottawa Citizen. He highlighted that more than one-third of CRA buildings do not have sufficient space for an increased in-office workforce, while others are already at capacity. "If they bring people in, they're squeezing people more than before," he added.
Briere warned that while some offices may have enough room to immediately implement the four-day requirement, this will create disparities among workers and regions, a situation he described as the "CRA lottery." The return is expected to take effect toward the end of July, given the 60-day notice period required before a new directive can be enforced.
Desk Hoteling Continues
The CRA will maintain its practice of desk hoteling, where employees do not have assigned seating and must reserve workspaces daily. This approach persists despite earlier comments from Bill Matthews, secretary of the Treasury Board, who indicated in May that the public service would move away from hoteling where possible. Matthews noted that transitioning to assigned seating would take time and vary by department due to growth that outpaced property additions.
The CRA operates as an independent agency outside the Treasury Board's direct purview, though it often aligns with its policies. The agency did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the Ottawa Citizen.
