For more details about the polling results, click here.
Visit the CUPE Local 998 website here for more information.
The meeting was the first of what we expect to be several face-to-face meetings. We are hopeful that future meetings will include the Premier and all of Manitoba’s public sector unions.
In the brief meeting, the Minister maintained the government’s focus on balancing the provincial budget and confirmed that, as reported in the media, they are considering wage freezes, reopening contracts and restructuring bargaining units, but did not provide any additional information.
We reminded the Minister of the Premier’s commitment to respect collective bargaining and protect and improve the public services that all families count on, while balancing the budget over a period of eight years.
Manitoba’s labour movement will continue to ask questions, seek clarification when needed, and always meet with the province in good faith.
Kevin Rebeck – Manitoba Federation of Labour
Kelly Moist – Canadian Union of Public Employees
Bob Moroz – Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals
Michelle Gawronsky – The Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union
Norm Gould – The Manitoba Teachers’ Society
Jeff Traeger – United Food and Commercial Workers Union
It is with great dismay that CUPE has learned of the closing of the Tolko Industries paper and saw mill in The Pas, Manitoba, resulting in the loss of over 250 jobs.
While CUPE does not represent Tolko workers, we do understand the impact the closure of this plant will have on the community at large, and on individual families.
We echo the concerns of Unifor Locals 1403 and 302, which represents mill and office workers, as well as supervisors at Tolko Industries in The Pas.
“Our members who have loved ones working at Tolko will be hurt by this closure,” says Kelly Moist, President of CUPE Manitoba representing public sector workers in health care, education, and municipalities in The Pas and RM of Kelsey.
“For every good job lost in Manitoba’s North, there will be serious economic and social implications for the community as a whole, as well as on individual families”.
The recent news of the closure of the Port of Churchill further exacerbates the employment and economic crisis that is unfolding in Manitoba’s Northern communities.
Due to this closure, the Pas and RM of Kelsey will likely lose significant tax revenue generated by Tolko Industries that helps fund municipal services in the community.
CUPE Manitoba calls on the federal and provincial governments to act quickly to ensure good, stable jobs are available in Manitoba’s Northern communities, and to protect those workers and families facing impending layoffs.
The School Division Sector Conference is fast approaching!
Please see below information for registration and logistics.