The provincial government says it will continue to consider opportunities for so-called e-work in the public service.
The province’s largest public sector union was taken aback last week to learn that government employees were being asked to return to the workplace after months of working from home.
In many cases, workers, who were under the understanding they would be given plenty of notice before returning to the office, were left scrambling trying to make child care arrangements.
(File photo)
NAPE President Jerry Earle argued that working from home has proven more efficient and cost-effective in certain circumstances.
President of Treasury Board, Siobhan Coady, says that while an e-work policy may result in savings in the long-term, including a reduced physical footprint, it is not the primary objective.
Coady says e-work arrangements that were put in place as part of an accommodation will continue, if required. E-work is also being considered in areas where physical distancing cannot be maintained or where space is limited.
Government has also invited each of the departments to propose focused pilot projects on e-work while the broader policy is under review.
