Workforce Adjustment Training
What is Workforce Adjustment?
Workforce adjustment occurs when the federal government decides certain indeterminate positions are no longer needed due to factors like a lack of work, the discontinuation of a function, an employee’s decision not to relocate, or an alternative delivery initiative. This process is often prompted by government cutbacks.
Protections for affected employees are outlined in the Workforce Adjustment Appendix (WFAA), a critical component of Treasury Board and Agency collective agreements. Established after PSAC’s 1991 national strike, the WFAA has been expanded and enhanced through successive rounds of collective bargaining.
The WFAA represents PSAC’s commitment to safeguarding job security and supporting members through changes in the workplace. It acknowledges the importance of stable employment to members’ financial security, work life balance, and mental health.
“Solidarity is our greatest strength: together we resist, we advance, and we protect everyone’s rights.”
Visit the PSAC national website for more information on Workforce Adjustment and the resources available.
If you have questions or need assistance with workforce adjustment, contact your Local representative, PSAC Regional Office or PSAC Component for support.
WFA Training
PSAC provides workforce adjustment training for members, which is offered in a few different ways:
Workforce Adjustment (WFA): What Locals Need to Know
- Who should attend? PSAC Local/Branch Executive Members & Union Leaders
- Training length: 3 hours
- Training available by request through PSAC Regional Representative
WFA: What Locals Need to Know is training specifically for Local/Branch Executives and Union Leaders who are supporting and assisting PSAC members navigating the WFA process. This 3-hour workshop is available by request through your PSAC Regional Representative. This training will give you the tools you need to understand workforce adjustment rules, anticipate their impact, and effectively defend members’ rights.
The objectives of this training are to:
- Raise awareness among union officers about the key issues and obligations of the Workforce Adjustment Appendix (WFAA).
- Strengthen their skills and autonomy to help them effectively support members throughout the process.
- Equip them to intervene actively in different workforce adjustment scenarios.
Workforce Adjustment (WFA): Understanding your rights and taking effective action
- Who should attend? PSAC members impacted by WFA
- Training Length: 60-90 minutes
- Training is available by request through PSAC Regional Representative and should be offered after the Local/Branch Executive has had their initial 3-hour training.
WFA: Understanding your rights and taking effective action is a 60-90 minute module that provides Treasury Board members with a foundational understanding of the Workforce Adjustment Appendix (WFAA) protections.
The objectives of this training are to:
- Increase knowledge about the protections afforded through the WFAA.
- Inform members affected by WFA about their rights and available recourse.
- Share the resources and tools PSAC provides to members affected by WFA.
- Encourage mobilization and solidarity between members facing service and employment cuts in the public sector.
- Strengthen the role of locals and executives in supporting members affected by WFA.
- Equip members to better understand and defend their rights in the face of organizational change.
Workforce Adjustment (WFA) at the Canada Revenue Agency: Understanding your rights and taking effective action
- Who should attend? PSAC members impacted by WFA who work at the CRA
- Training Length: 60-90 minutes
- Training available by request through PSAC Regional Representative and should be offered after the Local Executive has had their initial 3-hour training.
WFA at the Canada Revenue Agency: Understanding your rights and taking effective action is a 60-90minute module that provides PSAC members who work for the Canada Revenue Agency members with a foundational understanding of the Workforce Adjustment Appendix (WFAA) protections.
The objectives of this training are to:
- Increase knowledge about the protections afforded through the WFAA.
- Inform members affected by WFA about their rights and available recourse.
- Share the resources and tools PSAC provides to members affected by WFA.
- Encourage mobilization and solidarity between members facing service and employment cuts in the public sector.
- Strengthen the role of locals and executives in supporting members affected by WFA.
- Equip members to better understand and defend their rights in the face of organizational changes.
Contact your PSAC staff regional representative to find out more about WFA training opportunities or to submit a request.
If you have questions or need assistance with workforce adjustment, contact your Local representative, PSAC Regional Office or PSAC Component for support.