CUPE Manitoba Celebrates Healthcare Support Workers’ Week 2026

CUPE Manitoba Celebrates Healthcare Support Workers’ Week 2026

CUPE Manitoba is proud to recognize Healthcare Support Workers’ Week, taking place October 19 – 23, 2026.

This week, CUPE Manitoba is celebrating the over 19,000 CUPE members who work as Health Care Support Workers across Manitoba in Locals 204, 8600, 4270, 500, 2719, 1475, 2170, 4860, 4281, 2421, 3753, 5559, 2136, 2562, 2348 and 4376.

At the request of CUPE Manitoba, a letter was sent to the Government of Manitoba to officially proclaim October 19-23, 2026, as Health Care Support Workers’ Week. To read the letter, click here!

“Health care support workers are part of the foundation of our health care system and a critical part of the health care team in every Health Care setting in Manitoba,” said Gina McKay, President of CUPE Manitoba. “This is a week to officially recognize each and every Health Care Support worker in every community across Manitoba”.

This week is dedicated to acknowledging the incredible contributions of Healthcare Support Workers across Manitoba — the people who keep our healthcare system running with dedication, compassion, and care. Whether in hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health centres, or other health settings, your work is essential to the well-being of Manitobans.

Recognizing your Dedication

Healthcare Support Workers are the backbone of our healthcare system. Your efforts ensure that patients, residents, and families receive the quality care and services they deserve. CUPE Manitoba proudly celebrates your commitment to making Manitoba’s healthcare system stronger, safer, and more inclusive.

While we take the time to celebrate Health Care Support Workers this week, we are continuing to advocate to ensure the provincial government prioritizes safety, safer staffing ratios, respect and fairness in the workplace. These efforts will contribute to a more inclusive, safer, and stronger health care system for everyone – workers and those accessing services.

CUPE Makes Healthcare a Government Priority

At CUPE Manitoba’s 2026 Convention, delegates unanimously passed CUPE Manitoba’s 2026 Strategic Directions, and prioritizes the following key points:

Establish minimum staffing levels across the health care system to improve patient/client/resident care and standardize workloads

Eliminate private sector delivery of public health care – end our reliance on private agencies in our hospitals, care homes, and in homecare.

Invest in health and safety of staff and patients by replacing contracted-out security services with in-house security, including expanded use of the Institutional Safety Officers.

Revise the Health Sector Bargaining Unit Review Act to include all community and facility positions and workplaces that were excluded by the previous government.

Official Recognition for Healthcare Support Workers’ Week

We’re also pleased to share a letter from Minister Uzoma Asagwara, Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, along with the official proclamation recognizing Healthcare Support Workers’ Week:

Download the Letter to CUPE Manitoba from the Minister here.

Download the Official Proclamation for Healthcare Support Workers’ Week – in English, here.

Download the Official Proclamation for Healthcare Support Workers’ Week – in French, here.

Thank you to every Healthcare Support Worker for your compassion, professionalism, and service to our communities!

Solidarity/é!