October 4, 2024
Earlier today, the employer requested that we enter “conciliation” to continue negotiations into the weekend. We have agreed to move forward with conciliation in an attempt to achieve what we have heard from our members as their top priorities: improved wages that don’t leave anyone behind and improvements to working conditions.
To date, the employer has not budged from the offer that CUPE members voted to reject in August, despite CUPE’s proposals for improved wages and working conditions.
We are continuing to prepare to strike on October 8th and will update you as soon as we have any new information.
Q&A
What is Conciliation?
Conciliation means we are bringing in a neutral third party to mediate the issues at the table. CUPE is standing firm on our demands for an improved offer on wages that don’t leave anyone behind. We hope that through conciliation we will be able to convince the employer to bring real and substantial wage improvements to the table.
Are we still going on strike?
Strike preparations continue in full force. Our Winnipeg “Strike Headquarters” is up and running at
574 Erin Street, strike supplies are coming in, picket locations have been finalized, our advertisements are heard by thousands of Manitobans, and over 10,000 people have signed our petition.
If the employer does not come forward with a meaningful offer to improve wages for our members to vote on, we will proceed with the strike October 8th as planned. A strike is the last resort, and we are using all the tools available to push for a better offer.
Does this mean the unions are taking less?
No. We know exactly what our members expect in a new deal – improved wages where no one is left behind, and we won’t be talked out of that by a conciliator.
When will we hear more?
We will provide an update as soon as we receive the results of the conciliation. The conciliation process may take place throughout the weekend and possibly extend into Monday. Any new information will be sent to you via email.
Please reach out to CUPE at healthcare@cupe.ca if you have any questions and stay tuned for our next bargaining update.