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“The meth crisis is taking our city and our province hostage, and we can’t wait any longer.” ― Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President
Winnipeg (1 Aug. 2019) ― The meth crisis in Manitoba is affecting Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) members from across the province, and MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky is calling on the provincial government to address the crisis head-on and invest in treatment beds before it escalates further.
MGEU/NUPGE has been pushing for a response from provincial govt.
“We have been sounding the alarm on how meth is affecting our members and their ability to do their jobs, and it’s now jeopardizing their safety,” said Gawronsky. “So far the response from the provincial government has been too little, too late. The meth crisis is taking our city and our province hostage, and we can’t wait any longer. They need to come up with a comprehensive plan and implement it.”
Front-line workers directly at risk
The MGEU/NUPGE has previously raised the issue in web stories and in other media that our members are subject to increased violence on the job and that’s attributed to the increase in meth usage. This includes paramedics, correctional officers, probation officers, community corrections workers, sheriffs, health care workers, employment and income assistance workers, security officers, social workers, youth crisis workers, Manitoba housing workers, addictions specialists, and many others.
“Those on the front-line are trying their best to do their jobs and keep people safe,” said Gawronsky. “But it’s pretty hard to do your job when you don’t have the resources and there isn’t a plan in place on how we’re going fight this.”