The following statement was released by Manitoba Government and General Employees Union President Michelle Gawronsky Friday afternoon December 11, 2015, in connection with bargaining for 80 union members employed as security staff at the Health Sciences Centre:

Late last night, the HSC Security – Local 249  Bargaining Committee reached a tentative agreement with the employer that they believe begins to address the Local’s long-standing recruitment and retention problems.

Members will have the opportunity to vote on the tentative agreement on December 15 and 16, 2015. If the agreement is not ratified, the MGEU will begin strike action on Tuesday,
December 22, 2015 at 7am.

As always at times like these, it’s so important to be able to count on our fellow affiliates within the labour movement and we greatly appreciate your support. We’ll keep you posted once the ratification ballots are counted.

As well, the members of WRHA Home Care/Home Support Local 113 ratified a new five-year agreement today that includes improvements to vision care, sick credits and labour management protocols.

In October, Local 113 was the only group out of the Community Support Component to reject a tentative agreement reached with the employer weeks earlier.

“The original agreement took some real steps in addressing some of the most pressing concerns that members brought to the table,” said MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky.”These gains will now be added to that agreement, and passed on to applicable members in Community Support Locals who ratified earlier in the fall.”

The MGEU represents nearly 5,000 Community Support members, most of whom provide hands-on care and support to Manitobans.

In Solidarity,
Michelle Gawronsky
MGEU President