A Work Force Adjustment (WFA) situation arises when a deputy head determines that the services of one or more indeterminate employees will no longer be required beyond a specific date. 

WFA applies to indeterminate employees who are informed in writing that their services may no longer be required for one of the following reasons: 

• lack of work

• the discontinuance of a function

• a relocation where the employee chooses not to move, or 

• an alternative delivery initiative. 

WFA exercises are focused on positions and the nature of the work performed—not on the individuals occupying those roles. As a result, it is common for all employees performing similar duties within the same team to be affected by the WFA.

WFA is governed by the National Joint Council (NJC) Workforce Adjustment Directive (WFAD). The key elements of the WFAD are depicted in the Appendix D of the Directive.