The MGEU was shocked and deeply disappointed to learn that St. Amant Centre will be permanently closing its popular and much-needed Day Program Services as of May 28, 2021.

"For the past year, our members involved with the Day Program have demonstrated enormous flexibility and patience as programming shifted from the Centre into the community due to pandemic health restrictions only to have their jobs eliminated in the end," said MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky. "This is a heartbreaking decision as far as they're concerned, but also for all those participants and their families. Manitobans with disabilities are losing a skilled, multi-disciplinary team of professionals who offer vital resources for physical activity as well as clinical expertise all in one location – in other words, a unique and valuable program that has been in high demand and will undoubtedly remain so."

On Monday, the employer also notified staff that, as a result of a routine review, they will be eliminating two overnight positions at ABI Homes as of May 28, 2021.

"After this challenging year, these job losses are particularly difficult and hard to fathom," Gawronsky said, adding that both decisions were made without any involvement or consultation with the union.

Recently, the MGEU launched a public information campaign -- Not Just a Job -- on behalf of front-line community-based workers like those at St. Amant who help vulnerable Manitobans in our community. Gawronsky said the campaign points out that such workers have been dealing with ongoing cuts to programs and funding that lead to low pay, limited resources and constant turnover.

"This makes life harder for our front-line community workers and the people who rely on them," she said. "Removing supports and services like these defies common sense. There is an obvious need here and yet we are letting go of the dedicated people who meet that need."