MGEU

11 members of the Manitoba Wildfire Service have been recognized with the New South Wales Bushfire Emergency Citation for their efforts.

“The government calls this ‘modernizing’ and ‘elevating the client experience,’ but to me it looks like they’re just making it harder for rural Manitobans to access the services and support they need.” Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

The paramedics stationed up north pitched in to do whatever was needed to help alleviate the strain on the northern health system—whether it was to provide a COVID-19 swab test, start an IV, provide medications, or help with any medical emergencies that arose during the holidays.

“We’ve been pushing for additional recognition for health care workers for months now. I’m very pleased that this has finally come through.” — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

"At the rally, there were several reports of attendees verbally harassing and trying to intimidate the officers who were there to enforce public health orders. This is completely unacceptable. If you disagree with the rules put in place, there are other ways to show your views, but you cannot harass and endanger those who are doing their jobs by enforcing the rules." — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

"We need to start taking workplace mental health as seriously as we take traditional, physical health and safety issues." — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

“We knew that what the employer was doing wasn’t right. So, there was no choice but to file a grievance.” — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

“The Pallister government is once again coming after Manitoba’s workers and their unions. Bill 16 is particularly offensive in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, as front-line workers are risking their lives to provide crucial public services to Manitobans.” — Larry Brown, NUPGE President

"When the pandemic hit, Cadham Lab employees stepped up to the challenge, processing thousands of samples, working tremendous amounts of overtime, at a pace they have never seen before. I’m told that right now they are working at about 300% of their normal capacity." — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

“The MGEU/NUPGE and its members will continue to hold the government’s feet to the fire when it comes to decisions and actions that affect Manitoba families. Now is not the time to weaken and cut services. It’s time to support public services and the people who provide them.” — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

"The act ... is a draconian measure which limits and reduces a union's bargaining power...and inhibits the union's ability to trade off monetary benefits for non-monetary enhancements, such as protection from contracting out, job security, and layoffs. It has left no room for a meaningful collective bargaining process on issues crucial to union memberships." — Justice McKelvey, Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench

“It makes no sense to reduce work days for staff who are very busy delivering important public services. It is even more absurd to impose layoffs or work reductions on permanent employees with mortgages to pay, and families to support while hiring summer students.” — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

"We agree with economists and so many in our community who are saying the Premier's cuts and mass layoffs are wrong for Manitoba, particularly as officials are starting to talk about reopening the economy." — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

Although the government has been tight-lipped on details, it seems clear that Pallister is trying to push through his plan to cut and privatize public services under the guise of the pandemic.

"I hope [this] ruling shows the Premier and his government that it's time for them to stop fighting with their own employees, to stop the threats, and to start treating the people who deliver vital public services with respect." — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

"These Manitobans are sending a strong message to the government that it needs to reconsider its decision – it's not too late to change course." ― Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

“We have seen the effects when snow clearing is privatized in other provinces. Ontario privatized their snow clearing services, which led to a scathing report from the Auditor General.” ― Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

“Over 80 stable, family-supporting jobs will be leaving the city. But this is not just a devastating blow to the Parkland region." — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

“Everyone here knows the effect this will have on these families, on this city, on this region as a whole. It will be devastating.” ― Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

“It’s our members who are responsible for providing the essential front line services Manitoba families rely on day in and day out. They care deeply about the people they serve and we’ll be working closely with them to protect vital jobs and supports.” ― Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President.