Ottawa, July 13, 2026 - The Association of Justice Counsel (AJC), representing more than 3,500 federal lawyers and prosecutors, notaries and articling students, continues to challenge RTO4 as the Employer's four-day onsite requirement was implemented last week.

RTO4 may now be in effect, but the issues raised by this decision remain unresolved.

Even before the Employer announced its plans to increase mandatory onsite presence, the AJC sought information, demanded meaningful consultation, and raised concerns about the impacts of a broader return-to-office mandate. When the Employer proceeded without meaningful engagement, we took action.

Since February, we have filed two policy grievances and two unfair labour practice complaints challenging the Employer's approach. Our position is clear: the Employer failed to meaningfully consult and decided to make unilateral changes during collective bargaining. 

“Our collective bargaining rights are non-negotiable,” says AJC president Gregory Harlow. “But this mandate also has broader consequences – it affects our members’ health and safety, human rights, workplace accessibility, and the conditions lawyers need to meet their professional obligations, like office space that assures confidentiality.”  

The AJC has also brought these concerns into the public conversation. In a recent opinion piece published in The Hill Times, the AJC argues that what is most concerning about the RTO4 mandate is that it is not supported by evidence, meaningful consultation, or a clear operational rationale. The article warns that when decisions affecting thousands of public servants are made without a transparent justification, the implications extend well beyond workplace attendance. It raises broader questions about the government's accountability to Canadians and what it is willing to compromise, including workplace equity, accessibility, employees' health and safety, the delivery of legal services, and its ability to attract and retain experienced legal professionals.

The AJC has advanced this work on multiple fronts. We have participated in consultations with departments across the public service, submitted detailed recommendations on the implementation of RTO4, and advocated for workplaces that allow federal lawyers to work safely while protecting confidentiality, solicitor-client privilege, and the integrity of legal services.

"RTO4 may now be in effect, but our work is far from over. We will continue pursuing every available avenue to defend our members' rights and hold the Employer accountable," said Harlow.

The legal proceedings remain ongoing and will take time to move through the established processes. We will continue advocating for our members, supporting them as RTO4 is implemented, and pressing for evidence-based decisions and meaningful consultation on workplace policies that affect federal lawyers.

Help strengthen our advocacy

Legal action is only one part of this effort. The voices of members also matter.

If you experience issues related to RTO4, document them and seek guidance where appropriate. If confidentiality or solicitor-client privilege is compromised in your workplace, consult the AJC's guidance on What to Do When Confidentiality Is Compromised to understand the steps to take and when to report concerns.

You can also strengthen the AJC's advocacy by signing the petition opposing the unilateral implementation of RTO4. Every signature reinforces the message that decisions affecting federal lawyers, and public servants across the federal government, should be made through meaningful consultation, not unilateral direction.

ABOUT THE AJC

The Association of Justice Counsel (AJC) is the union defending Canada’s legal team. Our 3,500+ members are Federal Crown Counsel, notaries and articling students employed by the Government of Canada in the Department of Justice, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, and in various federal agencies, tribunals and courts across Canada.

MEDIA CONTACT

The Communications Department 
Association of Justice Counsel 
300–2725 Queensview Drive 
Ottawa, ON, Canada 
K2B 0A1

Phone: (613) 798-9900 
Toll-Free: (866) 218-3310 
Fax: (613) 564-0606 
Email: admin@ajc-ajj.ca

-30-