Greetings Brothers and Sisters!

The United Way helps union members in many ways. Right now, United Way needs our help. Labour leaders are uniquely position to provide that support by actively promoting it among our members.
United Way fills an important role in our communities by making sure that critical supports are in place for those who need them. It brings this about by putting into action the values that are very important to us – collective action and hard work.

What shape does United Way’s work take? In Winnipeg, one third of our residents benefit in some way by one or more of the more than 100 community-based, non-profit agencies that our dollars help keep in operation. One example is the Community Unemployed Help Centre which benefits hugely from directed contributions from union members through United Way to support its important work.

The CUHC fills an advocacy role for unemployed workers from across Manitoba who need an advocate to help them get the Employment Insurance benefits that they have paid for and they deserve. Thousands of Manitoba residents, and the communities they live in, have benefited directly from the service that CUHC provides. This would not have been possible without the support of working people through their workplace based contributions to United Way.

It’s for reasons like this, and others, that I personally back the United Way with a pay-roll deduction contribution. The MFL, as an organization, and 100% of our staff contribute to United Way and support its work. These are good reasons why all working families and their unions should pitch in as well.

In many workplaces volunteer United Way representatives are circulating pledge forms for their co-workers to fill out. I’d like you to pledge a monthly contribution through payroll deduction. I ask that you endorse their efforts publicly and extend whatever assistance to their efforts you can. Please support me, Sister Sandra Oakley and Brother Paul Olsen in our work as senior volunteers for the 2013 United Way Campaign.

For more information on how you can help, contact Sister Charlotte Prokopow, United Way Director – Labour Services 204-477-5360.

Now, more than ever, we need your help. If you have donated before, please do so again, and please consider increasing your donation. If you have not donated before, now is the time to start.

In Solidarity,

Kevin Rebeck, President
Manitoba Federation of Labour