Layoff notices sent to thousands of federal public service workers

Unions reported that thousands of federal public servants received workforce adjustment notices in recent days, and it remains unclear how many of those who received notices will be laid off.

Thousands of federal public service workers have received workforce adjustment notices saying their jobs may be affected. Several unions reported large numbers of notices issued in the last week and since the federal budget in November. The Public Service Alliance of Canada reported 1,775 notices to its members last week. The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada reported 1,849 notices last week, and the Canadian Association of Professional Employees said almost 3,000 of its members have received notices since the budget. What is known: - Unions reported the counts: PSAC 1,775 last week; PIPSC 1,849 last week; CAPE almost 3,000 since November. - Notices were reported across several departments and agencies, including Public Services and Procurement Canada, Shared Services Canada, Statistics Canada and the Treasury Board Secretariat. - A workforce adjustment notice informs an employee that their job may be affected by cuts but does not confirm a layoff. - It is currently unclear how many of the employees who received notices will ultimately be laid off. Summary: The reports show workforce adjustment notices have been issued to large numbers of public servants across multiple departments, and unions have publicly criticized the process. Undetermined at this time.