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'These dedicated workers provide a vital service that Manitobans rely on and reduces the strain put on our health care system every day. It’s time to make their jobs, full-time jobs.'
Ottawa (18 Jan. 2010) - Citizens across Manitoba are hearing a direct message from the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) highlighting the need for equivalent full-time positions for thousands of Manitoba’s home care workers and mental health proctors.
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MGEU is currently airing two television ads outlining the situation in simple and direct terms:
"These dedicated workers provide a vital service that Manitobans rely on and reduces the strain put on our health care system every day. It’s time to make their jobs, full-time jobs," the union says.
After more than a week on the airwaves, it’s clear that the message is getting through. In fact, local media are now asking questions about the issue.
Marlene Hrechka was interviewed on CBC radio about the reasons why equivalent full-time positions are so important to the field.
“Suddenly my hours can change and I have no guarantee of hours," she said.
"You can go to work and find out that your clients are cancelled, then you’re not paid… You know it’s very difficult to make child care arrangements or to even get a mortgage or a loan on a reliable vehicle that you need to get to work [when you have no guarantee in hours]," she said.
Not all Manitobans have heard about the situation until now, MGEU says.
MGEU commissioned a Viewpoints Research study last year to gauge the views of Manitobans on public services, particularly issues related to home care. Nearly nine of 10 respondents (88%) agreed that, to recruit and retain home care workers, it is important to have permanent, full-time jobs, which include better pensions and benefits.
Data gathered by the survey formed the basis of the ads now being aired across the province.
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
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Watch MGEU's community support TV ads