Pros
Most roles are unionized, which means annual pay increases are negotiated for you — you don’t have to constantly prove your worth to receive them.
Compensation is generally higher than comparable private-sector roles, often with a more manageable workload.
Paid days off are provided throughout the year and are released quarterly.
Most colleagues are collaborative and enjoyable to work with.
Comprehensive benefits and a solid pension plan.
A generally good work-life balance.
Cons
When taking time off, the workload is not always redistributed, which can mean returning to a backlog of tasks.
Annual salary increases are tied to the collective agreement and are typically modest (2–4% per year).
Advancement opportunities can feel limited for highly ambitious individuals, and the promotional process can sometimes feel political rather than performance-based.
There is a strong focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives, which some employees may find challenging if they prefer a more traditional work environment.
Organisational culture can feel minimal or inconsistent, which may not suit those looking for a strong sense of community at work.
The organisation has a high level of bureaucracy, with many approval layers that can slow decision-making and project execution.
Projects and budgets can often run over scope or timeline, leading to frustration for teams trying to deliver results efficiently.