Current wording in the contract
*2. REMOTE WORK
New letter or agreement confirming that virtual work is voluntary, can be initiated by the employee, and that arrangements will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The letter of agreement also provides for the creation of joint union-employer departmental panels. Employee rights around virtual work arrangements will be protected through a grievance process and grievances that were not settled prior to the final step of the grievance process may be referred to the joint union-management panel for review.
The Employer also committed to establishing a Joint Consultation Committee which will be co-chaired by the Public Service Alliance of Canada to the review of the Employer’s Directive on Virtual Work Arrangements.*
They followed up, that agreement means nothing to them and they will require all employees in the office 2 days a week and that will not be changing for any reason. So next step obviously is to see if A) we ratify the contract B) if it is ratified what are the reasons they would allow us to work from home.
As I see it I have 2 valid reasons.
1) I work in a department that is 100% digital. Other than training or under-performing employees, I don't see any real reasons to be in the building. We have done it for 3 years with no issues.
2) I have a medical condition which I manage, with stretching and light weight training throughout the day. When they forced us back into the building last year for 1 day. It started acting up but I could work it out in 2 days. Once they forced 2 days, I was miserable. At best I got it pain free by Sunday, maybe Saturday if I was lucky.
Either way I suspect that I will be among the first to file the grievance and test the waters with how much power they will give us. And based on managements scoff, I feel we are going to be fucked by our union. First at the negotiating table and now at the grievance process.
All I know is that I am talking to my doctor to alleviate some issues. And that will give me about 2-3 weeks of sick leave right away. So a good break for a bit. And once I get back I will be fighting tooth and nail to get back home.