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Staff at Assiniboine Community College and Red River College have been without a contract for ten months. After 35 bargaining sessions, their employers have refused to negotiate any meaningful improvements to wages or health benefits.
Brandon, Manitoba (May 14, 2010) - "There's a name for what they're doing," says MGEU President Peter Olfert. "It's called backwards bargaining and it's an unfair labour practice. Today, we'll be filing an official application with the Manitoba Labour Board alleging just that."
At the same time, the Province is investing hundreds of millions of dollars in construction and renovations at Manitoba colleges and universities. While employees agree these necessary investments in infrastructure are long overdue, they can’t understand why their employers refuse to make a meaningful investment in the people who deliver quality education and keep the colleges running smoothly.
Where’s the balance?
"Such investment is a great thing for Manitoba," Olfert said. "Many of these projects are long overdue. But we also need to have some balance here. The shiniest buildings and renewed campuses are only part of the picture. Experienced, qualified staff are key to a quality education."
That's why well over a hundred MGEU members walked in an information picket yesterday in Brandon.
You can also show your support by sending a message to Diane McGifford, Minister of Advanced Education and Literacy (204-945-0825, minaed@leg.gov.mb.ca) and telling her that college employees are worth investing in.
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The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE