Hydro reduction in remote work raises public-sector fears

WINNIPEG — Manitoba Hydro’s decision to cut remote workdays from two to one per week for eligible employees is causing concern for other public-sector workers who worry hybrid arrangements will be eroded.

The Crown corporation ordered staff on hybrid work schedules to be in the office four days a week, up from three, starting Oct. 6, drawing opposition from at least one union.

“We’ve already had some project teams move to a four-day-a-week in-office schedule, and found they benefited from the increased collaboration, better communication and smoother workflows that come with an additional day in the office,” Hydro spokesman Peter Chura said Tuesday.

“With other big projects ahead that will involve staff from different units across the corporation, the leadership felt it was just the right time for our overall work schedule to evolve and adopt the same practice.”

Wednesdays will become mandatory in-office days. Mondays will remain an optional work-from-home day for eligible staff.

The change will mainly affect roughly 1,800 employees in Hydro’s downtown Winnipeg office tower. The current hybrid schedule has been in place for almost four years, Chura said.

Manitoba Public Insurance CEO Satvir Jatana emailed staff at that Crown corporation Monday to address any questions prompted by Hydro’s change, a source said.

MPI is not considering changing its hybrid work model at this time, Jatana told staff in the email, which was obtained by the Winnipeg Free Press.

“That said, our program is continually under review, and we know that it may need to evolve to ensure it meets the needs of our organization and alignment with our peers,” the email said.

Jatana told staff they will receive lots of notice if MPI changes its hybrid program.

A source said Hydro’s decision prompted “major” anxiety and stress among MPI’s hybrid staff, with much of their concern relating to work-life balance.

MPI’s hybrid program, introduced in February 2024, requires employees in non-management roles to be in the office on a rotating schedule of two days one week and three days the next.

Directors and management are required to work on site at least three days per week. Contact centre staff are fully remote.

MPI spokeswoman Kristy Rydz said MPI has 1,286 employees in hybrid positions.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 998, which represents some Hydro staff, said the utility’s decision, made without prior consultation, created immediate concern among members.

Affected employees face additional commutes and expenses. The decision came as the Iran war pushed gas prices higher.

In a message to members last Friday, CUPE Local 998 president Michelle Bergen said the union will review all available options to challenge Hydro’s decision.

Chura said the hybrid work schedule is not part of any collective bargaining agreement. A large portion of Hydro’s workforce does not and has never worked remotely, he added.

Working from home became a forced reality for many Manitobans who were able to do so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hybrid work models exist in its wake.

About 550 of 3,100 employees of Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries hold positions where hybrid work is possible.

Most employees with hybrid arrangements are in the office between one and three days a week, while others work between three to five days a week, a spokesperson said.

Alberta and Ontario recently ordered civil servants back to the office on a full-time basis.

» Winnipeg Free Press

The Manitoba government’s policy allows civil servants to request two remote days per week. There is room for discretion based on management approval, a spokesperson said.

As of November, 3,749 government employees, or 30 per cent, work under the flexible policy at least one day per month.

Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union president Kyle Ross said members think the current arrangement is fair.

“A lot of people have young families. Having a bit of flexibility goes a long way to make life a little bit easier on folks,” he said.

» Winnipeg Free Press