In a recent development in Quebec’s public sector, over 650 employees have opted for reduced working hours following the government’s initiative to return to the office three days a week. This shift allows about one in ten public sector employees to benefit from a shortened work schedule.
Government’s Return-to-Office Plans
At the beginning of December, Minister France-Élaine Duranceau warned civil servants about new work arrangements. The updated policy limits remote work to a maximum of two days a week and prioritizes in-person attendance. This post-pandemic approach is modeled after practices in other provinces and the private sector.
Gradually implemented since late January, this new work arrangement involves various departments and agencies. As of December, the Treasury Board reported that a total of 654 employees, marking an increase of approximately 10%, have chosen reduced hours, bringing the total to 7,740 employees enjoying this flexibility.
Details of the Reduced Hours Program
- Reduced work hours typically range from 28 to 35 hours per week.
- Most employees can enjoy one day off, minimizing office presence to no more than twice a week.
- A corresponding reduction in salary is applied with the reduced hours.
Employees with at least three years of service will still contribute “full contributions” to their pension plan, ensuring eligibility for full retirement benefits under the RREGOP system.
Strategic Implications of Reduced Hours
The reduced work week also serves a broader strategy for the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government. Minister Duranceau has noted that this policy aims to decrease the size of the state by reducing total working hours and the workforce.
Although this objective was a key commitment when the CAQ assumed power, the Quebec civil service has actually grown by over 10,000 employees during François Legault’s administration. Nevertheless, a recent initiative to streamline operations resulted in the reduction of 3,540 positions this year—surpassing initial expectations. Measures such as a hiring freeze and the elimination of temporary positions helped achieve these cuts.
This strategic move aims to balance the budget, as employee wages and working conditions account for a significant portion of public spending. The government continues to address operational efficiency while considering the well-being of its workforce.
