Civil service unions have warned that layoffs could be made across the federal government after meeting with the finance committee to hear how departments are being told to cut costs.
The Finance Committee on Thursday issued an update to public employee unions on how it is directing departments to cut spending to meet a budget goal of $15 billion in savings over the next four years.
The government previously announced it would cut 5,000 jobs in public services due to “natural attrition” as it transitions from pandemic relief as relief programs for Canadians swell.
But after Thursday’s meeting, the civil service union said it was clear people would lose their jobs.
We’ve seen this horror movie before, and it always ends badly for families across the country.– Sharon D’Souza, PSAC
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) said in a statement: “The government is currently considering expanding its scope and reducing temporary and temporary employees, and is opening the door for departments and agencies to reduce permanent staff through workforce adjustments. “There are,” he said, vowing to fight back. against the cut.
“We’ve seen this horror movie before, and it always ends badly for families across the country,” said PSAC National President Sharon D’Souza. “Make no mistake about it: when public services are cut, ordinary people always have to pay the price.”
Not renewing fixed-term contracts is “plain and simple layoffs,” said Nathan Pryor, president of the Professional Employees Association of Canada.
“And they will start converting to full-time employment,” he told CBC.
A “difficult decision” awaits
In a statement to CBC, Treasury Board spokesperson Anita Anand reiterated that ministries should aim to save through “natural attrition” without “sacrificing programs or services.”
“Wherever possible, we must focus on finding these savings without making layoffs,” he said, adding that this compares with the austerity measures introduced under Stephen Harper’s previous government. Ta.
However, a memo sent to staff in various departments indicates there may be job cuts. The Canada Revenue Agency told staff in a memo Thursday that “difficult decisions” need to be made as the agency looks to reduce costs as it transitions from pandemic measures.
The agency said it was introducing limits on employment and non-essential overtime, adding: “As the situation evolves, additional measures may be necessary.”
Also on Wednesday, the Justice Department sent a memo to employees announcing salary budget cuts.
“Our goal is to achieve as much cost savings as possible through natural attrition to minimize the impact on our employees,” he said, without ruling out the possibility of layoffs.
“It’s a lose-lose situation.”
The Canadian Institute of Public Service Professional Studies says the government’s assurances that the cuts will not affect services to Canadians are “not convincing.”
In particular, PIPSC is concerned that the reduction of temporary, temporary, fixed-term and student positions will prevent young people from entering the civil service.
“These cuts risk creating a ‘forgotten generation’ in the civil service, at a time when new talent and new perspectives are needed now more than ever,” PIPSC President Jennifer Kerr said in a statement. Ta.
Marc Briere, national president of the Tax Employees Union, warned that the cuts would have a negative impact on services.
“Not only the people but also the employees will be affected,” he said. “It’s a lose-lose situation.”
