Liberals looking into expanding flexible work hours for federal workers

The federal government says it will hold consultations on giving federally regulated workers more flexibility in their work hours, part of a broader overhaul of employment rules.

The idea of flex time has been around for decades to help employees work around family issues like a child in daycare or traditional cultural practices.

• Justin Trudeau promises flexible working conditions at stop in Winnipeg
• The future of work: mobile offices, more flexibility but temporary jobs

The Liberals vowed during the election to make it easier for federally regulated workers to ask for a change their work hours, or to seek permission to work from home if and when possible.

The party only committed to giving workers the legal right to ask for a change in hours, not to making the request binding on employers.

Labour Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk said last month that the proposal would ensure workers don't have to lose their jobs, or lose the hours necessary to qualify for employment insurance.

Mihychuk also said the proposal is aimed at helping more Canadians land jobs.

The consultations announced today will take the form of an online survey, available until June 30th, and town hall-like meetings across the country in the coming weeks.