Sisters, Brothers and Friends,
Today, July 27, thousands of Union of Taxation Employees (UTE) members are being forced back to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offices up to four days a week.
We know many of you are angry, frustrated and deeply disappointed. This mandate means longer commutes, higher transportation and caregiving costs, more stress and less time with family.
UTE remains firmly opposed to this unilateral and unjustified decision.
The CRA has not shown that four days in the office will improve productivity, collaboration or services to Canadians. The employer is not even ready to implement its own mandate. The result is confusion, inconsistent rules and unequal treatment across the Agency.
Employees before commercial landlords
The government appears more focused on filling office towers and supporting commercial real estate than on protecting employees’ work-life balance. Employees are being asked to absorb the cost. Longer commutes. Higher expenses. More stress. Less family time.
Meanwhile, commercial landlords and downtown business interests benefit. Public service workers are not an economic support program for commercial landlords.
Our members have proven that hybrid work delivers results. Performance should be measured by the quality of the work, not by the number of days spent in an office.
UTE is acting
UTE has opposed this mandate from the start and continues to call on the CRA and the federal government to reverse course.
Our union will keep using every available political, legal, bargaining and mobilization tool to challenge this decision and defend members.
Reporting to the office does not mean accepting the mandate. Members must continue to speak out and document how it affects their work, finances, families and well-being.
Bargaining and next steps
This decision shows why strong telework protections must be included in our collective agreement. Working conditions cannot continue to change unilaterally.
UTE and PSAC are preparing for the next stages of bargaining and mobilization.
Take Action Now
- Send a letter: Tell your MP, Prime Minister Mark Carney, and the President of the Treasury Board to reverse the mandate and negotiate a modern remote work policy at the bargaining table.
- Raise your voice online: Share PSAC's graphics and tell your story.
- Show your solidarity at work: Download posters, use digital backgrounds, or organize a workplace action with your local.
Wear black on August 19
Our next Wear Black Day of Solidarity is Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Wear black at the workplace or during virtual meetings. Encourage your colleagues to join. Share photos of your local’s participation.
We did not choose this mandate. We do not accept its rationale. And we will not stop challenging it.
In solidarity,
Adam Jackson
National President
Union of Taxation Employees