The Bargaining Committee representing Manitoba Public Insurance says it’s now time for members to decide if the final offer, put forward by MPI management last month, meets their needs.

Voting packages, with details on the offer, have been mailed to more than 1,600 MPI members and the Bargaining Committee is visiting seventeen locations across Manitoba this month to give members an opportunity to ask questions about the offer and cast their ballots (see schedule below). The bargaining committee is recommending acceptance.

If members accept the employer’s final offer, they will have a new contract as of October 25, 2012. Some articles will take effect on that date and some will be phased in over the life of the contract.

If the offer is rejected, the Bargaining Committee will attempt to continue negotiations with the employer. Management, however, has told the committee this is their final position.

Members can attend any meeting to vote, but can only vote once. All members must have photo ID in order to receive a ballot. Any employee who is not in management is entitled to vote; even if they haven’t signed a union card (application forms will be available at all the meetings).

MPI Ratification Vote schedule 2012 - attend a meeting in your area

Flin Flon, October 3, 2 pm – 3pm MPI Claim Centre

Winnipeg,October 9,11 am – 7 pmCanad Inns Fort Garry, Ambassador E, 1824 Pembina Hwy.

Winnipeg,October 10,11 am – 7 pmCanad Inns Transcona, Coach Room, 826 Regent Ave.

The Pas, October 11,12 noon – 1 pmMPI Claim Centre

Thompson,October 15,11:45 am – 2 pmMPI Service Centre

Beausejour,October 15,12 noon – 1 pmMPI Service Centre

Steinbach,October 15,5 pm – 6 pmMPI Service Centre

Arborg,October 16,12 noon – 1 pmMPI Service Centre

Selkirk,October 16,5 pm – 6 pmMPI Service Centre

Winnipeg,October 17,11 am – 7 pmCanad Inns Polo Park, Ambassador E, 1405 St. Matthews Ave.

Winnipeg,October 18,9 am – 7 pmDelta Hotel, Talbot Room, 350 St. Mary Ave.

Swan River,October 22,12 noon – 1 pmMPI Service Centre

Dauphin,October 22,5 pm – 6 pmMGEU Office, 322 Main Street South

Brandon,October 23,11 am – 5 pmMPI Service Centre – 2nd Floor Boardroom

Winkler,October 24,11:45 am – 1 pmMPI Service Centre

Portage La Prairie, October 24,5 pm- 6 pmMPI Service Centre

Winnipeg,October 25,11am – 6:30 pmRoom 104, Union Centre, 275 Broadway