Public servants from diverse backgrounds, individuals with disabilities, and those engaged in union activities are facing a disproportionate impact from reductions in the passport service, as reported by the Union of National Employees (UNE). The UNE has raised concerns over what they view as discriminatory practices that go against the collective agreement and the Canadian Human Rights Act.
In a recent development, 800 contract workers nationwide, mainly in Quebec, were informed in May that their positions would be terminated by June. Of these employees, 350 have contested their dismissals through a process initiated by the UNE. Subsequently, in August, an additional 184 public servants were targeted for cuts, with 71 of them joining a group grievance, bringing the total number of affected employees to over 42% who feel they were unfairly treated.
Alisha Kang, the national president of the UNE, highlighted that a review of the terminated employees’ details indicated a disproportionate impact on certain groups. She emphasized that despite Canada’s professed commitment to diversity initiatives, employees from diverse backgrounds seem to be the primary targets for termination, regardless of whether their roles are essential.
Of particular concern is the fact that many of the terminated individuals held customer-facing positions and played a crucial role in assisting diverse applicants with the passport application process.
The UNE is urging the government to allow the terminated employees to fulfill their contractual obligations. In response, Employment and Social Development Canada stated that decisions on job cuts were made based on workload projections for passport teams while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The department asserted that efforts were made to minimize the impact on equity-seeking groups in the workforce.
Nicholas Marcus Thompson, the president and CEO of the Black Class Action Secretariat, expressed serious concerns about the situation, echoing the UNE’s stance that marginalized workers were not adequately protected by the government’s actions. He criticized the selection of employees for layoffs based on factors such as race, disability, nationality, or union involvement, terming it as systemic discrimination.
The government’s claim of prioritizing marginalized workers was refuted by Thompson, who highlighted that employees requiring accommodations or additional resources were disproportionately affected. An additional 250 passport employees received notices, with 134 individuals ultimately facing layoffs, a decision the department deemed necessary.
Amid these changes, the affected employees are being offered support during this transition period.
