At the 2018 Manitoba Federation of Labour Convention held this
past weekend in Winnipeg, MFL President Kevin Rebeck was re-elected to a fourth
term.
“I
am honoured to be chosen to continue to lead the MFL as we work in solidarity
to make life better for working families in Manitoba and stand up for them in
the face of the Pallister government’s continued attacks to front-line services
and workers’ rights,” said Rebeck.
Joining
Rebeck to the MFL Executive, and re-elected to each of their respective roles,
was Jeff Traeger (MFL Secretary-Treasurer) and MGEU President Michelle
Gawronsky (MFL Executive Vice President). Marc Lafond was also elected as an
MFL Executive Vice President.
From
Thursday until Sunday, MFL delegates (including a sizeable contingent from the
MGEU) debated and passed resolutions, listened to guest speakers, and discussed
the provincial government’s continuous attacks against workers and public
services.
The
discussions covered a wide range of topics, including resolutions for the MFL
to lobby the Government of Manitoba to develop a universal Pharmacare system;
stop the privatization of home care and healthcare; reinstate full funding for
the Rent Assist program; enforce appropriate patient/staff ratios in healthcare
facilities; increase EMS system capacity in Northern and rural Manitoba; and to
recognize and address the funding requirements of family and children's
services agencies.
The convention concluded on Sunday with a lively rally at the
Manitoba Legislative Building. Hundreds gathered for the MFL’s Rally for Public
Services to speak out against the government’s cuts to public services as
Rebeck lead supporters through chants of “No more cuts!” on the steps of the
Leg.
The
MFL represents more than 100,000 working Manitobans through affiliated unions,
including those representing workers in government, health care, social service
agencies, manufacturing, retail and more.
MGEU Members and Staff Represented on MFL Executive:
Michelle Gawronsky, MFL Executive VP
Jean-Guy Bourgeois, VP, MGEU
Wayne Chacun, VP, MGEU
Carol Grant, VP, Workers of Colour Caucus
Cathy Woods, VP, Aboriginal Workers Caucus
Jill Stockwell, VP, Solidarity and Pride Caucus
Andrew Wright, VP, Young Members Caucus
Jessie McNeil, Area VP, Eastman
Ed Miller, Area VP, Portage la Prairie
Susan Smerchanski, Area VP, Selkirk
Kirk Carr, Area VP, Brandon
Liz Dodds, Area VP, The Pas