You may have noticed several people on the picket line holding MGEU signs in front of Michif Children's Place in Dauphin over the past several days.
Kyle Ross is the president of the Manitoba General Employees Union (MGEU).
"Workers with Métis and Michif child and family services are on strike in the province," said Ross. "We've been trying to bargain a deal that would bring them parity with workers in the sector including the civil service that do the same work. Unfortunately, the employer has not even come close with the offer."
A strike mandate was voted on in December, and a two-week strike notice was issued earlier this month. Workers officially went to the picket lines on March 25. The contracts for about 390 employees expired on January 31, 2023.
According to Ross, workers are asking for a contract similar to what was given to other civil service workers last year. That was a four-year, 14 per cent wage increase.
Ross says this is not what the workers wanted, however, it's all about fair wages.
"These workers are not happy taking job action, but they know it's what they need to do," continued Ross. "They want to be treated as equals for the work they do."
Social services, family support, youth care, and administrative workers at the Winnipeg area Métis Child, Family and Community Services are also striking. If the latest offer from the employer was accepted, the hourly wages for Métis CFS members would fall $2.06 behind the civil service by the end of the proposed contract. That's $3,800 annually. The shortfall for Michif CFS members would amount to an annual shortfall of $5,300.
"When I talk to our workers on the picket line, the valuable service they provide to vulnerable families and children is second to none," ended Ross. "It's very frustrating for them. There are now families that are not getting the full support they require and expect, so it's frustrating for our workers being on the picket line. We know this could be resolved very quickly with the employer showing up and making a fair offer."
This is a developing story, and CKDM will provide additional information when it becomes available.
