In a joint news release, the U of M and UMFA said a directive from the provincial government “established fresh mandate parameters that seek cooperation in achieving a compensation ‘pause’ throughout the public sector.”
Understandably, this news sent an ominous ripple across Manitoba’s public sector, as it could potentially impact negotiations at every provincial bargaining table.
In response to the government’s directive at the UMFA bargaining table, MGEU President, Michelle Gawronsky, requested an emergency meeting with the Premier to discuss the issues surrounding upcoming bargaining for MGEU members, and to clarify the government’s position. That meeting was held Tuesday, November 1.
“I was told by the Premier that he wouldn’t rule out wage freezes, which is troubling for many of our members whose wages have barely kept up with inflation over the past decade – and, in many cases, have fallen behind those in the private sector,” said Gawronsky, following the meeting.
“The Premier did assure me that bargaining would be fair and not dictated before it even begins. That was encouraging and we will continue to work to hold the government to that commitment.”