Government Blocks September 30 Stat Holiday

Dear Sisters, Brothers, and Friends,

We are deeply disappointed that the government has decided against making the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a provincial statutory holiday.

NDP MLA Ian Bushie had introduced a bill to make this day, also known as Orange Shirt Day in Manitoba, a stat holiday here in our province, but the government has decided it does not want to proceed.

Previously, this government had asked the Labour Management Review Committee for advice on how to mark the day in our province. I am glad to say that the LMRC was able to reach a consensus recommendation that government should take steps to ensure that the greatest number of workers possible can take part in marking the this day, as it is an important opportunity for all of us to take time and reflect on the past, as well as to think about where we want to go as a country in a spirit of reconciliation. The LMRC had proposed that the province could mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with specific legislation and rules around business closures like Remembrance Day, or it could identify the day as a statutory holiday.

In anticipation of MLA Bushie’s Orange Shirt Day bill going to legislative committee, the MFL had prepared the attached legislative submission. Sadly, given the  government’s decision, I will not get the opportunity to speak to this very important bill.

I want to thank Ian Bushie and the entire Manitoba NDP team for their advocacy to mark this important day here in our province, and to ensure working people have a chance to honor survivors, their families and communities, as well as to learn more about the history and legacy of residential schools. In the words of the Honorable Murray Sinclair, it is a day “to make the country take a look at itself.”

MFL Legislative Submission for Bill 202 – The Orange Shirt Day Statutory Holiday Act
(Various Acts Amended)

In Solidarity,
Kevin Rebeck
President of the Manitoba Federation of Labour

 

National Day of Mourning April 28, 2023

Sisters, Brothers & Friends,

Please join us for this year’s Ceremony and Leaders’ Walk in honor of the National Day of Mourning.

Friday, April 28

11:00 am: Gather at the Union Centre (east side parking lot, in front of the mural)

11:30 am: Safe Workers of Tomorrow Leaders’ Walk (from the Union Centre to Memorial Park)

12:00 pm: Day of Mourning Ceremony at the Workers Memorial

Event poster attached.

In Solidarity,
Manitoba Federation of Labour

 

International Women’s Day

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity.

Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity.

IWD belongs to everyone, everywhere. Inclusion means all IWD action is valid. Learn more here

 

Support for WCB

The hardworking members of CUPE Local 1063 do important work to keep the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba running.

These workers currently have a strike mandate and held an Information Rally on today in front of the WCB building at 333 Broadway in Winnipeg.

CUPE Local 998 (Chief Steward Bryanne Koehn, Recording Secretary Natalie Sinclair & Treasurer Michael Kubrakovich) joined to support our brothers and sisters from CUPE 1063 as well as CUPES Previous National President Brother Paul Moist!