News

Maples Personal Care Home Employees Vote to Strike

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Winnipeg – An overwhelming majority (94%) of employees at Maples Personal Care Home voted in favour of a strike mandate in a vote conducted on Friday, June 28th.

These employees include health care aides, dietary aides and kitchen staff. Bargaining reached a stalemate over fair wages and employees calling for increased staffing in the personal care home.

“We are often working short-staffed” states Virginia Monton, President of CUPE Local 2719, “this means that we are unable to safely do our jobs”. Working short staffed occurs when there are not enough health care aides per shift to adequately care for all residents. This leads to employees struggling to fill the gap in the workload and can lead to stress, additional sick time and an unsafe work environment.

“Our members care very deeply for the residents at Maples Personal Care Home” states Paula Raposo, CUPE National Representative, “we want to ensure that every resident receives the level of care and attention they deserve”.

In addition to the staffing levels, CUPE members are calling for a fair wage increase to bring them up to similar levels found at other personal care homes operated by Revera.
On July 18th, the parties will meet with a Conciliation Officer to work towards addressing these important issues.

The tentative strike date is set for July 22nd.

National Aboriginal Day – June 21

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Click here to Download a PDF of the letter from CUPE National President, Paul Moist and CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer, Charles Fleury. – See more at: http://cupe500.mb.ca/news/news-archive/national-aboriginal-day-is-june-21/#sthash.9PCGy6gO.dpuf

National Aboriginal Day is a day for all Canadians to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements and contributions to Canada of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.

June 21 was chosen because of the cultural significance of the summer solstice, the first day of summer and longest day of the year. Many aboriginal groups mark the date as a time to celebrate their heritage.

On June 21, all Local 500 members are encouraged to participate in the local events commemorating this day.

– See more at: http://cupe500.mb.ca/news/news-archive/national-aboriginal-day-is-june-21/#sthash.9PCGy6gO.dpuf

National Aboriginal Day is a day for all Canadians to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements and contributions to Canada of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.

June 21 was chosen because of the cultural significance of the summer solstice, the first day of summer and longest day of the year. Many aboriginal groups mark the date as a time to celebrate their heritage.

On June 21, all members are encouraged to participate in the local events commemorating this day.

View below letter from CUPE National President Paul Moist:

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– See more at: http://cupe500.mb.ca/news/news-archive/national-aboriginal-day-is-june-21/#sthash.9PCGy6gO.dpuf

Another Emterra group looking to join CUPE

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Another Emterra group looking to join CUPE

Story by CUPE Local 500

Another group of Emterra workers have decided to seek union representation through CUPE Local 500.

On May 29, a certification vote was held at the Manitoba Labour Board for the Drivers and Swampers at Emterra in Winnipeg.

“We’re encouraged and excited that these workers are interested in joining the Union,” said Local 500 President Mike Davidson.  “We antcipate that this process will be finalized by the end of June and will update the membership as more information becomes available.”

On May 6, 2013, about 80 employees who work at Emterra’s material recycling facility became members of CUPE Local 500.

Please watch for further updates in the coming weeks.

– See more at: http://cupe500.mb.ca/news/news-archive/another-emterra-group-looking-to-join-cupe/#sthash.UoPjwoD7.dpuf

City Council votes against contracting out of Winnipeg’s public golf courses

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City Council votes against contracting out of Winnipeg’s public golf courses

Story by CUPE Local 500

May 29, 2013 at 6:26 PM

Today, Winnipeg City council voted 8-7 against a proposal led to contract out the management and operation of Winnipeg’s public golf courses to a private company. The proposal, which was spearheaded through the City’s Alternate Service Delivery (ASD) Committee, chaired by Deputy Mayor Russ Wyatt, was, another move to contract out a public service and community asset.

“We are proud to have played a part in this victory to help keep our four city-owned and operated golf courses public,” said Local 500 President, Mike Davidson.  “”We want to thank all the community groups and delegations who spoke in opposition of the lease proposal today and look forward to working with City Council to re-build our golf courses into strong and efficient community recreation facilities.”

Over the past two years, CUPE Local 500 worked with community organizations such as Outdoor Urban Recreation Spaces (OURS), the Winnipeg Labour Council, Manitoba Federation of Labour, and other groups to lobby City Council and inform the public on the detrimental effects of privatization. In October 2012, CUPE Local 500 launched it’s anti-privatization campaign through a TV ad entitled “For Sale”, referencing a number of controversies surrounding the Mayor’s pro-P3 agenda. In March 2013, the Local again launched a second TV ad entitled “No Bargain”, referencing the fact that privatization means higher costs, service cuts, and no accountability.

While the proposal to contract out Winnipeg’s public golf courses was criticized by CUPE and the community for inflating perceived losses, the campaign culminated in the Mayor’s office being “backed into a corner” and releasing a $70,000 ad campaign intended to deceive Winnipeggers into lobbying undecided councilors to vote in favour of the lease

In the end, the Mayor’s campaign was exposed by local media, and was called “unethical” and a “disgrace” by many city councillors.

The council vote required two-thirds majority to pass the contracting out of public golf services, and was ultimately defeated after 8 hours of debate and presentations.

Additionally, City Council voted 9-6 in favour of declaring John Blumberg golf course as surplus land, vowing to re-invest any revenue into existing municipal recreation services.

Here’s how they voted on the leasing proposal:

In favour of the lease proposal:

Mayor Sam Katz, Councillors: Russ Wyatt (Transcona), Scott Fielding (St. James-Brooklands), Devi Sharma (Old Kildonan), Grant Nordman (St. Charles), Justin Swandel (St. Norbert), Mike Pagtakhan (Point Douglas).

Against the lease proposal:

Councillors: Dan Vandal (St. Boniface), Brian Mayes (St. Vital), Paula Havixbeck (Charleswood-Tuxedo), Jenny Gerbasi (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry), Harvey Smith (Daniel McIntyre), Ross Eadie (Mynarski) John Orlikow (River Heights-Fort Garry), Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan).

– See more at: http://cupe500.mb.ca/news/news-archive/city-council-votes-against-contracting-out-of-winnipegs-public-golf-courses/#sthash.lzILFRbL.dpuf

CUPE 500 welcomes Emterra Recycling workers as its newest members in Winnipeg

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Emterra recycling workers in Winnipeg have voted to become members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).

“We are very honoured and privileged to welcome our newest members to CUPE,” says CUPE Local 500 President Mike Davidson. “All workers have the right to be represented by a union, and we are looking forward to negotiating a fair contract on their behalf.”

The Manitoba Labour Board counted the vote on May 6, 2013. CUPE will now represent approximately 80 employees who work at Emterra’s material recycling facility.

CUPE Local 500 represents about 5,000 members who provide important municipal services in Winnipeg.

CUPE Manitoba celebrates the International Day of the Midwife

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WINNIPEG – The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) will join thousands around the world in celebrating the International Day of the Midwife on May 5.

The day will be marked in Manitoba with a rally and picnic on the grounds of the Provincial Legislature in Winnipeg. CUPE Manitoba President Kelly Moist will be speaking at the rally, highlighting the services provided by midwives in across the provinces and around the world.

“There is a growing demand for midwives in Manitoba, but far too many in the province are being turned away,” says Moist. “We must strive to increase funding for Midwife positions, and develop a clear plan for recruiting and retaining these valuable healthcare workers in our province.”

Moist will be joined by student representatives from the University College of the North Midwife program and Geralyn Reimer from Midwives Association of Manitoba.

Manitobans are invited to attend, and encouraged to bring families and friends to show support for midwives in the province. The event begins at noon on May 5, at the Legislative Grounds, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

School Support Staff Week declared in Manitoba

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Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger announced the establishment of “School Support Staff Week” following his remarks at the CUPE Manitoba 50th Anniversary Convention to over 200 CUPE delegates at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.

This week’s announcement was an exciting moment for the CUPE Manitoba school division sector who have been calling for a week of recognition for Manitoba’s education support staff who work tirelessly every day to help our children succeed.

 

“We are thrilled that the provincial government is recognizing our hard work,” says Barb Gribben, CUPE Manitoba school division sector chairperson. “Our education support workers are proud of their work, and are excited that the province has taken such leadership in celebrating our accomplishments with us.”

 

School Support Staff Week has been declared for the week of November 18 – 23, to take place annually.

 

“Our members work tirelessly to support Manitoba children,” states Kelly Moist, CUPE Manitoba president. “Recognizing their hard work means that the province takes them seriously, and understands the contributions these workers make to the community.”

 

CUPE Manitoba represents hundreds of education support staff in Manitoba, including education assistants, bus drivers, custodians, librarians, and clerical staff.

CUPE Manitoba members present $50,000 to CancerCare Manitoba

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WINNIPEG – CUPE Manitoba will present a $50,000 cheque to CancerCare Manitoba in support of Camp Indigo, a camp dedicated to providing support to Manitoba children with cancer. The money is the most recent contribution the union’s members are making to pediatric oncology as part of ongoing fundraising for Manitoba children who have cancer.

“We started fundraising among our members in the 1990s when we adopted pediatric oncology as our ongoing charity,” CUPE Manitoba President Kelly Moist said. “CUPE’s commitment to our community is strong, and we are proud to donate to such an important cause as supporting children in need.”

CUPE Manitoba members have provided more than $100,000 over the past decade to pediatric oncology through fundraising and donations. This year’s contribution of $50,000 is the largest single donation made, and coincides with CUPE’s 50th anniversary this year.

“Since 1963, CUPE has made important contributions to Manitoba, and this donation reflects our commitment to making Manitoba a better place for everyone.”

CUPE Manitoba will present a $50,000 cheque to CancerCare Manitoba Camp Indigo at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2013, at the CUPE Manitoba Convention in the Winnipeg Convention Centre.

In Manitoba, CUPE represents approximately 25,000 members working in health care facilities, personal care homes, school divisions, municipal services, social services, child care centres, public utilities, libraries and family emergency services.

CUPE Manitoba’S 50th annual convention In Winnipeg May 2 – 4

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WINNIPEG- More than 200 delegates will gather at the Winnipeg Convention Centre for the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Manitoba.

Canada’s largest public sector union was founded at the Hotel Fort Garry in Winnipeg on September 24, 1963.
Speakers at this year’s convention include:

Thursday, May 2

  • 10:00 a.m. Premier Greg Selinger
  • 2:30 p.m. Paul Moist, CUPE National President

Friday, May 3

  • 10:30 a.m. Robert Chernomas, Professor of Economics, University of Manitoba
  • 11:00 a.m. 50th Anniversary Panel Discussion with former CUPE Manitoba Presidents

Saturday, May 4

  • 10:00 a.m. Presentation to CancerCare

In Manitoba, the Canadian Union of Public Employees represents approximately 25,000 members working in health care facilities, personal care homes, school divisions, municipal services, social services, child care centres, public utilities, libraries and family emergency services.