Public servants who are from diverse backgrounds, have disabilities or are involved in union activities are being disproportionately targeted by cuts to the passport service, according to the Union of National Employees (UNE).

The union filed two grievances challenging a process it considers to be discriminatory and in violation of the collective agreement and the Canadian Human Rights Act.

In May, 800 contract employees across the country — but concentrated in Quebec — were told they would no longer have their jobs in June. Of these, 350 felt aggrieved and are contesting their terminations through an action started by the UNE.

In August, more cuts targeted another 184 public servants. The union said 71 of those employees have also signed a group grievance.

Together, more than 42 per c

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