The Manitoba government’s foot-dragging at more than a
dozen bargaining tables has left 25,000 members without a contract ? and the
MGEU with no choice but to go public with a clear message: enough is enough. A
fair and reasonable wage increase is not too much to ask.
“These Manitobans are the foundation of our public
services: many work in home care, some are social workers or addictions
counselors,” said MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky. “Nearly fourteen thousand
work directly for the Province, in anywhere from highways and campgrounds to
health records and water safety. If solutions aren’t found soon, some of these
workers could be in a position to take strike votes and others may be forced
into lengthy arbitrations that could take up to another year or more.”
In an effort to kick-start contract talks, the MGEU has
launched an advertising campaign to share with Manitobans what’s at stake if
talks remain stalled.
The campaign begins June 8, 2015 with a series of
radio ads that directs listeners to the MGEU’s Elephant Talk website to learn
more. The site includes interactive links, including a way for MGEU members and
average Manitobans to send a message to the government, encouraging them return
to the bargaining table with a fair offer.
Gawronsky said the goal at these bargaining tables is a
simple one that should be shared by the Selinger government: fair wage
increases that are in keeping with what’s already been negotiated for other
public sector workers.”
“These are the workers who voted to accept wage freezes
in their last contract to help the government in meeting its fiscal
challenges,” Gawronsky said. “Now, forecasts point to Manitoba being one of the
most economically healthy provinces in Canada and these workers feel they have
earned the right to modest contract improvements at least in keeping with
agreements bargained for other public sector workers.”
In public surveys like the one recently conducted by the MGEU, Manitobans are consistent in expressing not only how much they value the
services provided by public sector workers, but how they want these
services protected and enhanced.
“Manitobans deserve to know what’s at stake,” Gawronsky
said, “In the case of home care, for instance, more and more workers are
leaving the program because of continuing workplace issues, including the fact
that they don’t get paid when they’re sick or when they’re travelling from one
client to the next.”
She added that the public service is also seeing the loss
of good people with specialized skills because wages haven’t remained
competitive with the private sector.
“Again, our message is simple. A fair and reasonable wage
increase is not too much to ask.”