This morning, MGEU First Vice-President and provincial highway worker Wally Fletcher joined Manitoba Federation of Labour (MFL) President Kevin Rebeck on CJOB radio to discuss the need for better safety regulations for those who work on Manitoba roads and highways.
The MFL also today sent an open letter to The Honourable Jennifer Howard, Minister of Family Services and Labour, expressing serious concerns about the safety of those who do this dangerous work.
“The recent court decision in the Brittany Murray tragedy shows that Manitoba safety rules need to be fixed,” said MFL President Kevin Rebeck. “The judge in that case said a lack of clarity around when and where drivers need to slow down was a key factor in the acquittal of the driver whose vehicle killed Murray.”
The letter calls on the Province to urgently clarify Manitoba’s rules so that drivers know exactly when and where reduced sped limits are in effect for a construction zone. “The Province recently committed to make Manitoba ‘the safest place to work in North America,” said Rebeck. “If we want to get there, we’ll need to strengthen the rules that protect road workers.”
The MFL website has a link to the letter and also to an email citizens can send to Manitoba MLAs indicating their support for increased safety regulations for road workers.