Since the Voluntary Reduced Workweek (VRW) for Manitoba Government employees was introduced in 2002, the MGEU has had serious reservations about the program.

Recently, the Province’s Treasury Board distributed a memo to Deputy Ministers, EFOs, and HR Sector Directors, outlining changes to the review and approval process in order to allow more employees to access the VRW program.

This comes on the heels of the Province’s February announcement: that they will be seeking a wage freeze from public service employees for the next two years in upcoming negotiations. Their rationale is that if vacant positions go unfilled, wages are frozen, and more employees take advantage of the VRW program, the Province can avoid layoffs.

However, the voluntary reduced workweek still poses a number of challenges for MGEU members. With vacant positions still going unfilled, the union feels that the VRW program places additional stress on members, particularly in departments that are already short-staffed.

The challenge for the MGEU and its members is clear. We’ve heard repeatedly from concerned members that workloads and staff shortages continue to be a serious issue that negatively impacts service delivery and staff morale.

So, consider the message it sends to government if an increasing number of government employees feel they can take additional time off throughout the year and not have their work suffer because of it. What affect do you think this might have on the union’s bargaining position as we strive to negotiate better pay and address staffing shortages within departments?

The fact is, the experience of many civil servants who have taken VRW days has been mixed. Many take the days but will also take work home with them to avoid falling behind. For others, the work is simply waiting for them when they return or has placed additional demands on their co-workers.

Consider also that one of the aspects government looks at when budgeting is hours worked within the department. When there are budget shortfalls, they can use the time employees have taken off to justify a reduction in full-time positions within the department.

Despite these reservations, the MGEU has not stood in the way of the VRW program because it’s voluntary and we know some members appreciate the flexibility it provides in balancing their work with their life at home. All the union is asking members to do is consider the consequences of requesting VRW days and reminding them that they are voluntary.

At a time when the Government should be maintaining services to Manitobans, we mustn’t allow the Province to implement reductions and diminish the vital services our members provide every day.