Over 650 government officials in Quebec have opted for reduced work hours in response to a recent policy change. This decision comes after the provincial government expressed intentions to have employees return to the office three days a week. Currently, one in ten government workers benefits from a reduced schedule.
New Office Policy Implementation
In early December, Minister France-Élaine Duranceau announced that teleworking would be limited to two days per week. In-person attendance is now prioritized. The adjustment aligns with a post-pandemic policy inspired by practices in other provinces and the private sector. This new framework is gradually being implemented, starting at the end of January across various ministries and agencies.
Increase in Reduced Work Hours
- Since December, 654 additional employees have chosen reduced hours, marking a 10% increase.
- Total employees on reduced hours has now reached 7,740 within the public sector.
- This figure is drawn from a total workforce of approximately 77,000, excluding healthcare and education sectors.
The arrangement often includes workweeks of 28 to 35 hours and typically grants employees an extra day off. As a result, many employees are required to come to the office no more than twice per week. This reduction in work hours does come with a corresponding salary decrease.
Pension Contributions
Employees with at least three years of service continue to pay full contributions to their pension plans. This ensures eligibility for full retirement benefits under the RREGOP pension scheme.
Strategic Workforce Management
The reduced workweek strategy is part of the CAQ government’s initiative to streamline the size of the state. Minister Duranceau has openly stated that this policy contributes to workforce reduction measures, including retiring positions that are not replaced. Despite these efforts, under Premier François Legault’s administration, the number of public servants has increased by more than 10,000.
Recent Job Cuts
- This year, 3,540 public sector positions were eliminated, exceeding initial expectations.
- To facilitate these reductions, a hiring freeze and the elimination of temporary and occasional positions were enacted.
These measures are seen as necessary steps to achieve budgetary balance. The salaries and working conditions of state employees have increasingly strained public finances. For further information or to report on this topic, please contact us at El-Balad.
