More than one in three federal public servants in Canada were granted paid time off work during the first nine months of the COVID-19 pandemic, at a cost exceeding $800 million, according to a Treasury Board document. Employees who were unable to work remotely were still paid, however, under a provision known as the "699" pay code, allowing "other leave with pay." The number of workers approved for 699 leave peaked in April at more than 73,000. In all, 117,000, or 39 per cent, of federal employees spread across 86 departments and agencies were approved for the leave. Union files grievancesThe Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), which represents a majority of federal employees, has filed numerous grievances over the new guidelines.

Source: CBC News February 20, 2021 21:02 UTC