Quebec Public Servants Embrace Reduced Work Week Amid Return-to-Office Push
More than 650 Quebec public servants have chosen to adopt a reduced work week since the government announced its intention to bring employees back to the office three days a week. This shift means that one in ten government employees now benefits from a lighter work schedule. The move comes after Minister France-Élaine Duranceau signaled in early December that remote work should be limited to a maximum of two days per week, prioritizing in-person work.
This new post-pandemic policy, inspired by other provinces and the private sector, has been gradually implemented across ministries and agencies since the end of January. According to the Treasury Board, “654 employees, representing an increase of approximately 10%, have taken advantage of a reduced work arrangement.” Currently, 7,740 employees within the public sector – excluding healthcare and education networks – are benefiting from these arrangements. This represents a significant change in work-life balance for a portion of Quebec’s public workforce.
Flexible Arrangements and Salary Adjustments
These agreements between the government and its employees take various forms, typically ranging from 28 to 35 hours of work per week, often including a day off. This allows employees to limit their presence in office buildings to two days or fewer per week. However, this reduction in working hours is accompanied by a corresponding reduction in salary.
Employees with at least three years of service continue to make “full contributions” to their pension plan, as outlined by the ministry, ensuring they remain eligible for a full pension under the RREGOP. The government views the reduced work week as a strategy to “reduce” the size of the state by decreasing the total number of hours worked.
A Strategy for Downsizing?
Minister Duranceau has openly acknowledged that this measure is part of her strategy to achieve the government’s target of reducing the workforce, alongside the practice of not systematically replacing retiring employees. This commitment was a key pledge of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) upon taking power, although it hasn’t fully materialized.
Under Premier François Legault’s leadership, the Quebec public service has actually grown by over 10,000 employees. However, a recent streamlining effort at the end of the mandate did result in the elimination of 3,540 public sector positions this year – exceeding initial expectations. This was achieved through a hiring freeze and the abolition of temporary and casual positions. This downsizing is seen as crucial for returning to budgetary balance, as public sector salaries and working conditions now consume a significant portion of public funds. Statistics Quebec provides further data on public sector employment.
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