Workforce Adjustment (WFA)
Member Support & Guidance
If you're navigating a Workforce Adjustment (WFA) situation, it’s important to understand your rights and the options available to you under your collective agreement. Depending on your specific employment status, you may be eligible for different forms of support, including:
- Transition Support Measure (TSM)
- Education Allowance
- Severance Options
- Alternation Opportunities
These provisions are designed to support members through organizational changes and help you make informed choices about your future.
What is Alternation?
Alternation allows an opting employee to exchange positions with a non-affected employee (one not impacted by WFA). It can be a valuable alternative to involuntary departure.
Learn more about Alternation – Treasury Board | PSAC
What Should You Do?
- Review the WFA Appendix in your collective agreement to understand what applies to you.
- Confirm your WFA status: Are you an affected, surplus, or opting employee? Your options depend on this classification.
- Ask questions and seek guidance – your union is here to help.
Additional Information & Resources
How does the SERLO process work?
Essential Criteria Identified
Management defines job-related criteria required to perform the continuing work (skills, knowledge, abilities, experience).Assessment of Employees
Affected employees are assessed against the same criteria, using objective methods (interviews, exams, simulations, records).Ranking / Determination
Employees who best meet the criteria are retained. Others may be declared surplus.Union Involvement
The union has the right to:Review criteria and assessment methods
Attend assessments (in many cases)
Challenge unfair or improper application
What SERLO is not
❌ Not based on seniority alone
❌ Not arbitrary or discretionary
❌ Not based on favoritism
❌ Not a performance review shortcut
It must be defensible, documented, and consistent.
Employee rights during SERLO
Right to clear communication
Right to fair and objective assessment
Right to union representation
Right to grieve the process if it is flawed
Continued access to WFA options if declared surplus
