A return-to-office policy for municipal employees has become a lightning rod for controversy in recent weeks. And once New Year’s Day rolls around, there won’t be a change of heart, as Ottawa City Council has voted to keep it in place. However, the increased public pressure has led to positive reassurances from city officials, who promise that the policy's impact on existing work arrangements will be limited. In late-August, City Manager Wendy Stephanson announced the return of a 5-day workplace work week, which would only impact a minority of employees. At the moment, 93 percent of the city’s workforce are in the office every workday. Peter Bleyer is the Executive Director of the Civic Institute of Professional Personnel, which represents 2,800 employees at the City of Ottawa. During a rally outside City Hall, he described the mandate as a 'lack of respect' towards city workers. Bleyer joins Kristy Cameron on today’s Ottawa Now.

<p>A return-to-office policy for municipal employees has become a lightning rod for controversy in recent weeks. And once New Year&rsquo;s Day rolls around, there won&rsquo;t be a change of heart, as Ottawa City Council has voted to keep it in place. However, the increased public pressure has led to positive reassurances from city officials, who promise that the policy's impact on existing work arrangements will be limited. In late-August, City Manager Wendy Stephanson announced the return of a 5-day workplace work week, which would only impact a minority of employees. At the moment, 93 percent of the city&rsquo;s workforce are in the office every workday. Peter Bleyer is the Executive Director of the Civic Institute of Professional Personnel, which represents 2,800 employees at the City of Ottawa. During a rally outside City Hall, he described the mandate as a 'lack of respect' towards city workers. Bleyer joins Kristy Cameron on today&rsquo;s Ottawa Now.</p>