Public service unions have highlighted ongoing workplace conditions issues as reports of pests in federal buildings throughout the National Capital Region have surfaced. According to Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), from April 1 to Nov. 24, there were 549 confirmed reports of pests in 93 Crown-owned buildings in Ottawa-Gatineau. The pests reported include ants, bats, bedbugs, bees/wasps, birds, mice/rodents, and various small insects.
Sean O’Reilly, president of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), emphasized that these figures align with the concerns raised by union members. O’Reilly expressed that the volume of reports over eight months signifies a genuine problem within federal workplaces. Members have reached out to the union about office conditions, feeling that the employer’s response to these issues has been insufficient.
Instances of dead mice in kitchenettes and bedbugs in offices have been reported by union members, leading to temporary closures of some areas for fumigation to combat infestations. O’Reilly stressed that such conditions directly impact employees’ productivity and their ability to fulfill their duties in serving the public.
PSPC acknowledged that pests are a common occurrence in commercial real estate and clarified that the reported incidents are isolated and not indicative of an outbreak or infestation. The agency underlined its commitment to promptly investigating pest reports and integrating pest management programs into building operations to address such issues effectively.
Alex Silas, national executive vice-president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), echoed similar complaints from union members, emphasizing the prevalence of pest issues in federal office buildings across the National Capital Region and beyond. Silas highlighted the health and safety concerns posed by pests, stating that workers should not have to worry about encountering such problems in their workplace.
As the federal government pushes for increased in-office work, both unions emphasized the importance of workers utilizing workplace health and safety processes to address and report any future pest concerns. Silas also drew attention to the broader infrastructure issues within federal office buildings, noting that a significant portion of worksites in Ottawa and Gatineau require substantial renovations to ensure suitable working environments.