This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
Help workers at the University of Winnipeg Students' Association get a fair collective agreement. Send your message today!
Winnipeg (10 June 2014) — Members of the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) and their supporters staged an information picket to inform students about the University of Winnipeg Students' Association's (UWSA) goal to severely cut benefits.
Employer looking for major concessions to workers' working conditions and benefits
MGEU/NUPGE members have been in negotiations with the UWSA since February and are now in conciliation to work out a new contract. However, these negotiations are unlike any other the Local has seen over the past 28 years.
The UWSA wants to significantly increase management’s authority within the contract and severely cut workers’ sick leave, maternity leave, bereavement leave and vacation benefits. They’re also seeking an increase in working hours with any increase in wages.
The UWSA has given no reason for these drastic measures, and most University of Winnipeg students are unaware of these collective bargaining attacks that are taking place right in their university.
If a settlement cannot be reached through conciliation, a strike or lock out is possible
Another date for conciliation is set for June 10th—if an agreement cannot be reached, a strike or lock out is possible. This could affect payments for University of Winnpeg Daycare, Petrified Sole Used Bookstore and Information Booth staff. It could also interrupt the administration of the Green Shield benefit plan for students.
UWSA staff don’t want that to happen, which is why they need your help.
Please show your support
Send UWSA President Rorie McLeod Arnould a message or call him at 204-786-9778. Let’s remind him that UWSA workers deserve to be treated the same way University of Winnipeg students deserve to be treated: with fairness and respect.
NUPGE
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