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Budget reductions and restructuring across the federal public service have created understandable uncertainty for many employees.
Job cuts can leave people feeling anxious about their roles, their security, and what comes next. If you’re facing these changes, it’s completely normal to have questions and to seek clarity during a time that feels unsettled.
Navigating a Workforce Adjustment (WFA) process can feel overwhelming, especially when the future of your role is uncertain. While our team cannot provide legal advice to unionized federal public servants, we are here to support executives and other non‑unionized employees as they assess their rights, options, and next steps. The FAQs below are designed to help you understand the WFA process and give you a clearer sense of what to expect during this transition.
What is workforce adjustment (WFA)?
- Workforce adjustment (WFA) is the process government organizations use in the public service when a position is no longer required for various reasons.
Am I immediately losing my job if I get a WFA notice?
- No, a WFA notice only means that your position may be affected, starting a process that takes place over months. The process has multiple steps that give employees time to select the option that is best for them.
What happens after I receive a WFA notice?
- You have many options. You could choose to voluntarily leave. If you do not, a selection process may take place to determine which positions will be retained or laid off. If your position is selected to be laid off, then you will be provided with either another position or WFA options.
What WFA options are available to me if I am selected?
- Depending on your situation, you can choose between a number of options, including:
- 12 months for the employer to find you another position in the public service
- compensation based on your years of service
- an education allowance
- early retirement
- alternation
What is alternation?
- Alternation is one of the WFA options where an employee can exchange their affected position with an employee at the same group and level who is in an unaffected position.
What resources are available to me?
- For unionized employees: Consult your union. Certain unions have specific terms in their collective agreements for WFA situations.
- For non-unionized employees and executives: Consult the Directives on Work Force Adjustment online and consult an employment lawyer to learn about your rights.
What should my next steps be if I am in a WFA situation?
- You should attend any meetings with your employer to learn about your next steps. You should also consult your union or an employment lawyer and talk to your financial advisor.
