Ninette, MB – Support workers at the Southwest Community Options have voted to take strike action if a resolution is not reached soon in current negotiations for a new collective agreement.
The 60 plus members of CUPE 1684 provide essential support services for people with mental disabilities. They are part of the provincial Association for Community Living facilities.
According to Donna Karasz, CUPE 1684 President, “We have just had it. The employer and the Department of the government that funds the ACLs need to treat us seriously. We are not demanding anything unreasonable, but they are being unreasonable.”
The Employer is proposing wage increases for new employees that are hired that are higher than that offered to our long-term employees. This would enhance recruitment but not address how to keep the existing staff, which has become the main barrier to concluding negotiations.
For information, contact:
Donna Karasz, President, CUPE Local 1684 at 204-528-2675
Doug McLaughlin, CUPE National Representative at 204-725-8888
Dennis Lewycky, CUPE Communications at 204-333-5056
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