News Release
For Immediate Release
Over 2,000 health care support workers throughout Manitoba set a strike date of Thursday, May 14 today. Recently, the workers at Fred Douglas Lodge and Victoria Hospital in Winnipeg, as well as facilities in the North Eastman, South Eastman and Parklands regions, voted overwhelming to take strike action over concessions being demanded by the employer affecting part-time employees.
“In our personal care homes these days, at least sixty percent of health care support worker positions are part-time,” said MGEU President Peter Olfert. “For many, this means picking up shifts whenever and wherever they can to supplement their income. Now, the employer is telling them that they want to restrict how they take their vacations as well.”
Olfert said he doesn’t understand why employer negotiators would be holding up a settlement over a non-monetary issue like vacation when many facilities, especially in the rural areas, are already having serious problems recruiting and retaining trained health care support workers. Many personal care homes throughout the province are already operating with vacant health care support positions.
“These workers are the backbone of our health care system. They are the hands-on caregivers of Manitoba’s most vulnerable. All they’re asking is that they get a fair and respectful deal when it comes to their hard-earned vacation.”
For more information please contact the MGEU Resource Centre at 982-6438 or toll-free at 1-866-982-6438.