CEIU members provide critical public services. We process pensions, assist newcomers and support Canadian families and businesses.

Now more than ever, solidarity and collective support are essential. As we navigate political and economic uncertainty, we must stand together to protect not only our jobs but also the vital services our communities rely on.

Our priority is to support one another through these challenges. By staying informed and engaged, we strengthen our ability to advocate for fair workplaces and a resilient public service.

We encourage you to attend information sessions, learn about your rights, and connect with your union for support—because together, we are stronger.

Workforce Adjustment

Workforce adjustment (WFA) is the term used to describe a process for reducing indeterminate positions in the core federal public service, agencies, and separate employers.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced in January 2025 that it is imposing workforce adjustment on hundreds of CEIU members.

Indeterminate employees have job protections in place thanks to union members who fought hard during a 1991 national strike. Since then, WFA has been expanded and enhanced through successive rounds of collective bargaining.

These protections are enshrined in the Workforce Adjustment Appendix (WFAA), a critical component of our members’ collective agreement.

CEIU has developed resources and held information sessions to inform members of their rights under the WFAA.

Resources:

• WFA: Frequently Asked Questions
  
  
• Workforce Adjustment: A Brief Introduction
  
  
• PSAC Workforce Adjustment webpage
  
  
• Workforce Adjustment: A guide for PSAC members in the core public service
  
  

Term positions

Federal departments, including IRCC and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), are implementing a “stop the clock” on term rollovers. This means that term employees will no longer be able to accumulate time towards obtaining an indeterminate job until otherwise notified.

We have thousands of members who are term employees across the country, and we are advocating for them at national tables with the employer.

• “CEIU denounce IRCC’s lack of consultation on term rollovers” (Oct. 18)
  
  
• “ESDC ‘stop the clock’ a serious concern for union” (Jan. 22)

Sign up to get involved

People rely on a strong public service every day, and our members continue to deliver. We will defend the public service in the upcoming round of bargaining, in the federal election, and in our campaigns.

The strength of our union relies upon an active and engaged membership.

Sign up to get involved in upcoming campaigns.

What we are doing

• Representing our members on departmental workforce adjustment committees
  
  
• Pushing for comprehensive supports including financial planning assistance, internal and external job opportunities, and enhanced mental health resources for members
  
  
• Tracking and monitoring job cuts in collaboration with PSAC
  
  
• PSAC provided training to CEIU staff on workforce adjustment
  
  
• Over 160 stewards from union locals across the country participated in CEIU training to support members

What you can do

• Know your rights: for indeterminate employees, understand your WFA entitlements and how-to speak to the employer
  
  
• Access job opportunities: the employer has a responsibility to provide career and financial resources to those impacted by WFA
  
  
• Take care of yourself and your fellow union members: we have called on the employer to expand mental health supports beyond the Employee Assistance Program. We have also put together a list of additional resources for you.
  
  

Notice: Misinformation continues to circulate about the distribution of affected letters; namely, that distribution of letters has been delayed because of the union. We want to clarify that we continue to advocate for the employer to adhere to the collective agreement and the Workforce Adjustment Appendix, which clearly outlines the employer’s responsibility to inform both affected employees and their union promptly. The employer is obligated under the Workforce Adjustment Appendix and the Work Force Adjustment Directive to consult with the union, ensuring fair and equitable processes for our members. We will continue to hold the employer accountable. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the distribution of affected letters, we encourage you to reach out to your IRCC management team as your first point of contact as distribution of leave letters is on the employer’s timeline.

Still have Questions?

 
Your union local is your primary point of contact. Find your union local here >>  

 
Your elected National Executive members are also available:  

 
National Vice-President, National Capital Region 
Daniel Carriere 
[email protected] 

Alternate National Vice-Presidents, National Capital Region 
Vanessa Sandsmark (2nd) 

[email protected] 

 
National Vice-Presidents, Ontario 

Julie Nanquil 
[email protected] 

Lisa Prescott 
[email protected] 

 
National Vice-Presidents, Quebec 
Judith Côté 
[email protected] 

Annik Beamish 
[email protected] 

 
National Vice-President for Women’s Priorities, Eastern Canada 
Carolyn Locke 
[email protected] 
 

National Vice-President for Women’s Priorities, Western Canada 
Lynda MacLellan 
[email protected] 

National Vice-President, Newfoundland and Labrador – Nova Scotia 
Debbie Morris 
[email protected] 

National Vice-President, New Brunswick – Prince-Edward-Island 
Kelli Reid (Interim) 
[email protected]  

National Vice-President, Manitoba & Saskatchewan 
Keri D’Avignon-Nault 
[email protected] 

National Vice-President, Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut 
Sabino Spagnuolo 
[email protected] 

 
National Vice-President, British Columbia and Yukon 
Jaspinder Badesha 
[email protected] 

National Vice-President, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 
Shauna-Lee Dupuis 
[email protected] 

National Vice-President, Immigration and Refugee Board 
Vivian Ike 
[email protected] 

National Vice-President, Human Rights Issues 
Mofizul Islam 
[email protected]