WINNIPEG, MB. – Support workers at Winnipeg Child and Family Services (WCFS) voted 98 per cent in support of taking job action to prevent their employer from gutting their job security provisions in the collective agreement.
The 350 employees, members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 2153, provide family support as well as emergency care to children in shelters, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“The massive strike vote, which was counted last Friday, shows the tremendous resolve of our membership to oppose any attacks on their hours of work,” says CUPE Staff Representative Mark Kernaghan. “It’s time the employer got the message and dropped its demands for concessions,” he states.
“We’ve been trying to get a new contract for more than eight months, but the government is insisting on concessions we just can’t accept,” said Kernaghan.
The Union wants to return to the bargaining table and conclude a collective agreement as soon as possible, Kernaghan says, adding that members are angry and frustrated by the government’s stalling tactics.
“The ball is in the employer’s court,” he says. “Hopefully, the government will adopt a more positive attitude and negotiate an agreement that meets the needs of our members and the people they serve,” he states.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees is Canada’s largest union representing more than a half-million women and men. In Manitoba, CUPE represents 24,000 members working in health care facilities, school divisions, municipal services, social services, child care centres, public utilities, libraries and family emergency services.
For more information contact:
Mark Kernaghan
CUPE national representative
(204) 942-0343 ext 216