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Dates set for Manitoba's wage freeze court challenge

"Our members deserve to be treated fairly and with respect. By denying them the right to collectively bargain, the government is infringing on their constitutional rights.” — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

Winnipeg (06 Sept. 2018) — The Court of Queen's Bench has set 14 dates in the legal challenge of the Pallister government's wage freeze legislation (Bill 28: The Public Service Sustainability Act). The legal challenge is being mounted by the Manitoba Government and General Emplyees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE), along with 28 other unions in the coalition — Partnership to Defend Public Services (PDPS).

MGEU/NUPGE and coalition fight Bill 28 for infringing on collective bargaining rights

The court dates will begin on November 18, 2019 running through to December 5, 2019.

“MGEU/NUPGE is a proud member of the PDPS. We strongly believe the government is overstepping when trying to dictate wages to our members and others across Manitoba,” said Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President.  “Our members deserve to be treated fairly and with respect. By denying them the right to collectively bargain, the government is infringing on their constitutional rights.”

Legislation unconstitutional

PDPS lawyers, Garth Smorang and Shannon Carson of Myers Weinburg, LLP, will be arguing that the legislation is unconstitutional and takes the right of collective bargaining away from hard-working Manitobans. 

Bill 28 was introduced in the Manitoba Legislature on March 20, 2017 and was passed into law on June 1, 2017. Essentially, it dictates wages prior to even starting the collective bargaining process. 

The mandate of the bill includes:

  • A 2-year wage freeze.
  • A maximum increase of 0.75 per cent to the rate of pay in year 3 of a collective agreement.
  • A maximum increase of 1 per cent to the rate of pay in year 4 of a collective agreement.

The PDPS represents over 110,000 workers in Manitoba.