Ontario civil servants can work remotely on some World Cup game days, province says | CBC News

Ontario’s Treasury Board says public service employees may be allowed to work remotely during daytime FIFA World Cup matches in Toronto. The province expects the Ontario Public Service to be in the workplace five days a week, but managers can approve ad hoc, occasional, or temporary remote work requests for short-term flexibility. World Cup day games are scheduled for June 12 and June 26. Ontario Public Service unions requested more flexible work arrangements during the tournament, citing congestion, construction, and disrupted sidewalk access. Unions also asked for a temporary remote work arrangement for all employees working in Toronto from June 8 to July 3. The City of Toronto recommended schedule adjustments and remote work to reduce travel needs as it expects about 300,000 visitors.

"Ontario’s Treasury Board says public service employees may be allowed to work remotely during daytime FIFA World Cup matches in Toronto, following union calls for more flexible work options during the tournament and criticism of the government's return-to-office mandate."

"Liz Tuomi, a spokesperson for Treasury Board President Caroline Mulroney, says the province expects the Ontario Public Service to be in the workplace five days a week, but managers “can approve ad hoc, occasional or temporary remote work requests to provide short-term flexibility” for situations like World Cup day games scheduled for June 12 and June 26."

"A group of unions representing government workers, including the Ontario Public Service Employees Union and the Association of Management, Administrative and Professional Crown Employees of Ontario, wrote a joint letter to Secretary of Cabinet Michelle DiEmanuele asking for a temporary remote work arrangement for all employees working in Toronto from June 8 to July 3."

"Last August, she announced all public service employees would return to in-person work five days a week by January 2026, a move unions said was made without consultation. Thousands of government employees have made requests for alternative work arrangements since the mandate took effect."

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