Federal Unions Vow to Fight Public Service Cuts
Federal public service unions in Ottawa pledged Wednesday to oppose planned job reductions, warning these cuts will weaken services available to Canadians.
Government Budget Plan
The federal budget released Tuesday aims to reduce program spending and administrative costs by roughly $60 billion over five years. It projects a 10% decline in federal employees by 2029, which means about 40,000 fewer jobs compared to the peak of 368,000 two years ago. Approximately 10,000 positions were cut last year.
- 1,000 executive roles will be eliminated within two years.
- Management and consulting service expenses will decrease by 20% over three years.
The government intends to trim payroll mostly through attrition but confirms that direct job cuts will occur.
Union Response
At a Wednesday press conference, Sharon DeSousa, national president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, stated the union's commitment to challenge the cuts. She emphasized lobbying efforts targeting every Member of Parliament and the Treasury Board president to highlight the consequences.
“Make no mistake, we will fight these cuts and protect constitutional rights of workers across this country,” DeSousa declared. “(Prime Minister Mark) Carney’s government is choosing cuts over care, profit over people, and everyone in Canada will pay the price.”
Summary: Federal unions strongly oppose government plans to reduce public service jobs and spending, warning these measures will harm Canadians and workers' rights.