Over 2,000 MGEU health care support workers throughout Manitoba have set a strike date of Thursday, May 14. Members at Fred Douglas Lodge and Victoria Hospital in Winnipeg, as well as facilities in the North Eastman, South Eastman and Parklands regions, have voted overwhelming to take strike action over concessions being demanded by the employer affecting part-time employees.
Today, most health care support workers’ positions at personal care homes and hospitals have been reduced to part-time. To make ends meet, they pick up additional shifts, or work at two or more facilities. Now, the RHAs want to cut back their vacation, no matter how many hours they work or how many years they’ve devoted to caring for Manitobans.
For more than two decades, part-time workers have been entitled to vacation based on years of service and it’s never been a problem. Management is suddenly saying that it is, but can’t give the MGEU a single example of why.
These health care support workers strive every day to care for their vulnerable patients with respect and dignity – all they’re asking for is a fair and respectful deal when it comes to their hard-earned vacation.
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP IN THE COMING DAYS:
• Call or e-mail any of the following MLAs and ask them to talk to their colleagues in the Legislature about this issue so we can find a fair resolution.
• Call or e-mail Theresa Oswald, Minister of Health, and ask her to use her office to work towards a fair resolution.
• If you live or work in an area affected by the strike, please show your support for us as we walk the line next week.
MLA Contact Information
Stan Struthers
MLA for Dauphin/Roblin
Unit B-21, 3Rd Avenue NE
Dauphin, R7N 0Y5
622-7630
stan.struthers@leg.gov.mb.ca
Rosann Wowchuck
MLA for Swan River
102-6th Avenue N
Swan River, R0L 1Z0
734-4900
rosann.wowchuck@ leg.gov.mb.ca
Dave Chomiak
MLA for Kildonan
640 Leila Avenue
Winnipeg, R2V 3N7
334-5060
dave.chomiak@leg.gov.mb.ca
Theresa Oswald
MLA for Seine River and Minister of Health
Unit 4-875 Dakota Street
Winnipeg, R2M 5S5
255-7840
theresa.oswald@leg.gov.mb.ca
Flor Marcelino
MLA for Wellington
1-875 Notre Dame Avenue
Winnipeg, R3E 0M4
788-0800
wellington.constit@shaw.ca
Kerry Irvin-Ross
MLA for Fort Garry
1060 Pembina Highway
Winnipeg, R3T 1Z8
475-9433
minhliv@leg.gov.mb.ca
Marilyn Brick
MLA for St. Norbert
3489 Pembina Highway
Winnipeg R3V 1A4
261-1794
marilynbrick@mts.net
Ron Lemieux
MLA for La Verendrye
1175 Dawson Road
Lorette R0A 0Y0
878-4644
mininfratran@leg.gov.mb.ca
For more information: HCSS Strike Press Release