Yesterday the MGEU learned through media reports that the Manitoba Government is interested in privatizing the Air Services Branch, including air ambulance and wildfire suppression.
This news caught about 100 MGEU members completely off guard and left union representatives questioning the legitimacy of the government’s actions.
“These members have a collective agreement that contains new requirements for the government if they decide to pursue any form of privatization. The government is required to notify and consult the union when it is considering privatization, and that includes seriously considering alternatives before pursuing privatization – and that hasn’t happened,” said Gawronsky. “We have our lawyers looking into this, but we feel it’s in direct conflict with our agreement.”
Gawronsky added how troubling this news is as the provincial budget is set to be unveiled this afternoon.
“The Premier made a commitment to protect and invest in public services and keep public services public. But in recent days he has announced ER closures, cancelled a successful hospital home team program and now wants to scrap government air services – that’s not living up to that promise,” said Gawronsky. “One has to wonder what cut is next?”
A letter expressing the concerns over the privatization has been sent to the Ministers of Health, Crown Services and Infrastructure.
Members of the Air Services Branch fall under the Civil Service Master Agreement, which includes a no-layoff clause and expires March
2019.