Understanding work force adjustment

A work force adjustment (WFA) situation arises when the service of an employee is no longer required because of:

  • Lack of work
  • Discontinuance of a function
  • A relocation of a work unit where the employee does not wish to relocate
  • An alternative delivery initiative 

In some situations only specific positions are involved in a WFA, while in other cases the adjustment may involve entire work sections, functions or departments.

The primary objective of WFA is to ensure continued employment.

  • Continued employment does not necessarily mean continuation of work in the same or a similar position, or occupational group; accordingly, employees must not assume that their new job will be identical or similar to the vacated position.

If you are facing a WFA situation please review the FAQs.

Download WFA Flowchart

Work Force Adjustment (WFA) process flowchart

If you have any questions or require any assistance, we encourage you to contact your steward and/or Consultation Team.

Latest News

28 January 2026
PIPSC stewards are the first line of contact for members when facing Workforce Adjustment (WFA) situations. Resources are available below to help you learn more about WFA and ways to support members.
28 January 2026
Frequently asked questions for Workforce adjustment (WFA) as it applies to PIPSC Members at NRC.
22 January 2026
If you missed our Work Force Adjustment (WFA) webinar on January 13, the recording and resources are now available.
15 January 2026
With increased WFA activity expected, PIPSC is offering a series of focused webinars to help members understand their rights, options, and supports at each stage of the process.
13 January 2026
The Employment Transition Policy (ETP) governs the rights and obligations of indeterminate employees at CFIA whose positions may be eliminated as a result of organizational or operational changes. The ETP aims to maximize opportunities for continuous employment within the Agency.
2 December 2025
Note that this program is not yet approved, and currently no action can be taken by members.  PIPSC will continue to follow developments, and will update this information once more details are available.
6 November 2025
PIPSC has created an alternation platform to assist members who are labelled opting or surplus as a result of a Workforce Adjustment situation and who wish to remain employed in the public service. Learn more.
10 October 2025
Frequently asked questions on recent work force adjustment at the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). The Work Force Adjustment (WFA) Policy is in place to maximize employment opportunities for indeterminate employees affected by WFA at OSFI and outlines the rights, responsibilities, and entitlements of employees in a WFA situation – in addition to the collective agreement.
9 October 2025
If you missed our Work Force Adjustment (WFA) webinar, the recording and resources are now available.
19 September 2025
If you’re facing a WFA situation, PIPSC is here for you. You’re invited to a webinar about Work Force Adjustments in the public service and how they may affect you.
10 June 2025
If you missed our Work Force Adjustment (WFA) webinar, the recording and resources below are now available. In this webinar, we provide valuable insight into how WFAs may impact the public service and highlight the support resources available through PIPSC.
23 May 2025
Below is a review of the fundamental provisions of Work Force Adjustment (WFA) as they apply to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) indeterminate employees. This does not apply to term employees.
3 March 2025
If you’re facing a WFA situation, PIPSC is here for you. You’re invited to a webinar about Workforce Adjustments in the public service and how they may affect you.
20 February 2025
A pension waiver is a program that allows someone who resigns or is laid off because of workforce adjustment (WFA) prior to their normal retirement age (60 or 65) to receive an unadjusted pension benefit. Learn more in this web post.
19 February 2025
Members subject to a WFA may be presented with options, some of which could have an impact on your pension.
20 January 2025
Frequently asked questions about the The Selection of Employees for Retention or Lay-Off (SERLO)
20 January 2025
Frequently asked questions for work force adjustment (WFA) and the alternation provision available to indeterminate employees.
17 January 2025
Frequently asked questions for work force adjustment (WFA) as it applies to indeterminate employees within the Core Public Administration where the employer is the Treasury Board.