Dates Set For Health Care Union Representation Votes

As CUPE members we show solidarity & support for all sectors within CUPE

 

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Dates set for health care union representation votes, August 8 to August 22, 2019
CUPE to Pallister: health care workers deserve a break

Today the Commissioner responsible for the implementation of the Health Sector Bargaining Unit Review Act (HSBURA) announced the dates of union representation votes, a move by this government that CUPE continues to claim is an unnecessary disruption to health care.

“The Pallister government is throwing another wrench into an already strained health care system,” said Shannon McAteer, CUPE Health Care Coordinator. “Health care workers across Manitoba deserve a break, yet this government continues to pile on uncertainty, stress and chaos.”

HSBURA was enacted in 2018, and forces health care workers to choose which union will represent them into the next round of contract negotiations. Bargaining has been stalled in Manitoba until the results of these representation votes.

“CUPE is Canada’s largest health care union and we will stay focused on fighting Pallister’s health care cuts and defending our members in the workplace,” said McAteer. “We also want to focus on the future, and that future is bargaining a strong contract for our health care members and getting them the respect they deserve”.

The union that gets the most votes in each of the 18 health care votes taking place across the province will be certified to represent those workers. The winning union in each bargaining unit will then bring its largest collective agreement into the next round of bargaining. If CUPE wins the votes, CUPE will be bringing the strongest health care contracts in the province to the table.

“CUPE’s health care contracts are the strongest in Manitoba, with good pensions and benefits for all of our hard working health care members” said McAteer. “CUPE has a no-concessions bargaining policy and a $100 million strike fund, so we are ready to bargain strong in health care.”

CUPE wants all members to know that while these votes are taking place, CUPE will continue to prioritize fighting for you in the workplace. We know health care workers are going through a difficult time, and we’re committed to being with you, for you at work.

CUPE is ready to fight for all health care workers.

CUPE represents 680,000 members across Canada, including 162,000 health care workers, and approximately 11,600 health care workers here in Manitoba.

Learn more about CUPE and the representation votes at: http://cupehealthcare.ca

The Pallister Government Plans To Make Changes To The Pension Benefits Act – This Fall

CUPE L998 would like to share this article, just released by the Manitoba Federation of Labour

In Solidarity
CUPE Executives
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Dear Sisters, Brothers and Friends,

Earlier this week the Pallister government sent out an 11th hour news release announcing that it plans to introduce changes to the Pension Benefits Act this fall. This announcement came as a surprise, as the current Minister of Finance has refused to meet with labour leaders about the importance of pension plans to the retirement security of Manitobans.

As you will recall, in the winter of 2018 the Pallister government released a discussion paper and recommendations from the Pension Commission of Manitoba and asked for stakeholder feedback. The report included a number of deeply concerning proposals, including allowing defined benefit plans to be weakened through conversion to target benefit plans. I want to thank all affiliates who spoke out against these reckless proposals on behalf of their members. Due to the strong voice of the labour movement, it appears that the Pallister government will not pursue conversion to target benefit plans.

According to the province’s news release: “… the government is listening to Manitobans and has decided to not move forward with the Pension Commission’s recommendation to permit a new target benefit/shared risk plan design for single employer and multi-employer plans.” Clearly, the fact that labour was able to demonstrate that defined benefit plans are higher performing and yield better returns on investment had an effect.

However, it appears the government has not ruled out a number of other concerning proposals from the Pension Commission Report. Proposals like loosening unlocking provisions and ending the long-established principle of universal participation appear to still be on the table. The government seems committed to opening up Manitoba’s pension plan system to “flexibility” instead of the goals of continued stability, predictability and security. We are concerned that they are focused on adding more risk to the retirement plans of Manitoba workers.

It is also troubling that they sent out this new release just before they call an early election. Their refusal to provide any details through the tabling of legislation means that Manitobans will not get to see the specifics of their plan for pensions before they cast their ballots this fall. You will recall that this is the same government that said they could be trusted to protect Manitoba’s front-line services in the 2016 election. I don’t have faith that this government has the best interests of workers in mind when it comes to their retirement security.

All workers deserve to be able to retire from working life with dignity and financial security. Voters should have a clear understanding of the Pallister government’s plan for their pensions before they go to the polls.

Manitoba’s unions have been strong and united in calling for the provincial government to ensure that any changes to the Pension Benefits Act are made with the goal of ensuring stronger retirement security for Manitoba workers. If legislation is introduced this fall, Manitoba’s labour movement will need to make a strong stand against the weakening of pension security for working families.

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

2019 Scholarships / Bursary Awards

CUPE Local 998 is Offering three $1000.00 Scholarships to Eligible Members in Good Standing and their families
Entrance Award To assist a high school graduate entering first year studies.
Ross C Martin In-Course Award To assist a student continuing beyond the first year of study.
In-Course Award To assist a student continuing beyond the first year of study.

**Applies to full-time (2019 – 2020) programs at an accredited post secondary school, college, or university in Manitoba **

Visit the Education Committee for more information

Pride Winnipeg May 24-June 2, 2019

Pride Winnipeg May 24 – June 2, 2019

CUPE Manitoba is again sponsoring the Pride Winnipeg Parade and Festival for 2019.

Come join CUPE in showing your support and pride by marching with us in the Pride Parade on Sunday, June 2nd. Participants will be gathering at the front steps of the Manitoba Legislature Building for 10:00AM that day with the parade getting underway at 11:00AM sharp! Just look for our PINK CUPE BUS and come join our walking group. There will also be an exhibitor booth sponsored by CUPE at The Forks festival grounds, following the parade on Sunday. Click here for More information on the Winnipeg Pride Festival 

Happy Pride !

Lorenzo Dufrane
Equal Rights & Opportunity Chair

Mandate Letter from the Province

CUPE Local 998 would like to address the Mandate Letter from the Province that was released by the Minister of Crown Services.

The Hydro Electric Board that was put in place by this Conservative Government to oversee the strategic operations of Manitoba Hydro. It is telling that this Conservative Government does not trust their own board to align with their extreme mandate.

To that end, Manitoba Hydro President and CEO Jay Grewal announce that there will be no further reductions in staffing levels. The reductions required by the Government have already been achieved in the VDP (Voluntary Departure Program).

Jay went on to say that further staff reductions could lead to a reduction in the reliability of electricity to Manitobans.

CUPE 998 will always stand against Conservative attacks on Manitoba Hydro, including against the reliability of our electrical grid. We are pleased to see the Hydro Board and President standing on the side of Manitobans who expect a strong, reliable Manitoba Hydro.

In Solidarity
Michelle Bergen
President CUPE Local 998