Public service union slams CRTC for office space raffle

Canada’s largest public sector union is condemning the CRTC for auctioning off office work space as part of a charity fundraising campaign. The funding drive is still underway. In order to raise funds for the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC), the regulator is making office space available for one month to workers who contribute and win the prize. That upsets the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), as first reported by Radio-Canada. “Federal public service workers show their generosity every year through the GCWCC, raising nearly $30 million last year,” PSAC national president Sharon DeSousa said in an email to The Wire Report on Oct. 2. “But holding a raffle for a private office space with a door? That’s a whole new level of absurdity. What’s next? A contest to get your Phoenix issues resolved faster?” The Phoenix pay system was rolled out by the government in 2016; its problems continue to this day. Federal public servants have been ordered to return to the office a minimum of three days per week. “So many of our members go to work and sit at desks that don’t have the proper equipment for them to do their jobs, and that’s if they can find a desk at all,” the union leader continued. “Raffling off an office space like it’s some grandiose prize is tone deaf and insulting to workers who are working hard to serve the public every day.” But the CRTC defends the move, pointing out that across the public service, $28 million was raised last year for various charities. The commission is currently out of its offices in Gatineau Que. and is making due with temporary quarters. “The CRTC's building at 1 Promenade du Portage is currently under renovation, and we are temporarily located at 25 Eddy,” the regulator said in an Oct. 1 email. “We have been able to welcome our executives to the office four days per week, and our temporary space allows us to welcome all employees two days per week. As soon as the CRTC returns to its building, which we expect will occur in the coming months, we will welcome all employees to the office at least three days per week.” ppark@thewirereport.ca

Public service union slams CRTC for office space raffle

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By Paul Park
| October 2, 2024

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Public service union slams CRTC for office space raffle

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