WINNIPEG – After weeks of difficult bargaining, the government and union negotiators for 5,500 of Manitoba’s health care support workers have reached a tentative settlement.
Yesterday, the government and employers made a final offer to CUPE negotiators which was accepted.
Strike action that was planned to start on Thursday is now on hold.
No details of the offer were released. Negotiators for the union say they want to meet with their members first to inform them directly.
“Information meetings for members will be held to inform everyone, all at once, so there isn’t any confusion or misinformation,” said Paul Moist, President of CUPE Manitoba. “We think this is a fair offer and we want our members to be fully informed before they exercise their vote to ratify.”
“There are rumours circulating, but the Bargaining Committee is committed to giving members an opportunity to get accurate background and time to discuss the offer,” added Moist.
The health care workers will meet on Friday, September 20th, to learn the full details of the wage increase offer. A ratification vote on the settlement will be held immediately after the meetings, at the respective workplaces.
CUPE, the Canadian Union of Public Employees, represents health care support workers in the 14 bargaining units involved in negotiations since August 15th - Health Sciences Centre; Grace, Seven Oaks and Concordia Hospitals; CancerCare Manitoba, the Regional Distribution Facility, Riverview Health Centre, Rehab Centre for Children, and Bethania, Golden West, Pembina Place, Luther, and Middlechurch long term care facilities.
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For more information, contact:
Lorraine Sigurdson, CUPE Health Care Coordinator
Phone: (204) 942-0343, ext. 214
Dennis Lewycky, Research/Communications Representative
Phone:(204) 942-0343, ext. 298