It was a sad day in Killarney, as MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky stood with members on the last day before the government closed their office for good.
The Killarney-based employees from the Department of Families were asked to meet with two department officials on Wednesday, with Gawronsky joining them, to discuss the relocation of their jobs. Despite requests from the union to reconsider and hundreds of emails sent by Manitobans asking the Premier to keep the Department of Families Provincial Services Office open, the government moved forward with their short-sighted plan yesterday.
“It was a sad day, a tough day for these workers with many tears shed and fears shared,” said Gawronsky. “For them, their biggest concern is for their clients and how they will be affected. This will have an impact on the community and how they access these services. But I also wonder what this will mean for the future of these workers.”
While the jobs will move to Winnipeg, the affected members have been redeployed in other roles in Brandon, which amounts to a three-hour daily commute in some cases.
Government officials claim a “declining volume of work” was their reason behind the closure. Gawronsky recently wrote the Families Minister asking for proof of declining work, but the government has yet to provide any concrete evidence.
“I think there is wisdom in supporting
the local economy and keeping this work here in the community, but they refused
to see it. Ultimately it will be Killarney seniors and families with young
children who will pay the price for these cuts.”