Public employees 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 the process, filing two grievances citing discrimination and violations of collective agreements and the Canadian Human Rights Act.
In a recent development, approximately 800 contract workers nationwide, with a concentration in Quebec, were informed in May that their positions would be terminated by June. Of these, 350 employees have contested their terminations through UNE-led actions. Subsequently, in August, an additional 184 public servants were affected by cuts, with 71 of them joining a group grievance, totaling over 42% of terminated individuals believing they were unfairly treated.
UNE’s national president, Alisha Kang, highlighted that a review of terminated employees revealed a disproportionate representation of certain groups. Kang emphasized that despite Canada’s commitment to diversity initiatives, diverse employees are often the first to be let go, irrespective of the necessity for their roles.
Notably, many of the terminated employees held customer-facing positions crucial for assisting diverse Canadians with passport applications, further underscoring the impact of the cuts. The union is advocating for allowing the terminated employees to fulfill their contractual obligations.
Employment and Social Development Canada stated that the layoffs were based on workload projections and fiscal management, with a focus on retaining employees from equity-seeking groups. However, Nicholas Marcus Thompson, CEO of the Black Class Action Secretariat, criticized the government’s handling of the situation, alleging that marginalized workers were unfairly targeted based on factors like race, disability, national origin, or union affiliation. Thompson disputed the government’s claims of protecting marginalized employees and highlighted the adverse effects on individuals awaiting passport services.
Moreover, an additional 250 passport employees received notices, with 134 employees facing layoffs, a decision deemed necessary by the department. While acknowledging the challenges faced by affected employees, the department assured support throughout the transition period.