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.
After MGEU/NUPGE members flooded the legislative gallery on December 1, 2015 creating a sea of red T-shirts that said “Still Without a Contract,” the employer finally agreed to return to the table.
Winnipeg (01 Feb. 2016) — Members of the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) who work in the civil service ratified a new five-year collective agreement on January 28.
Settlement reached after lengthy awareness campaign by MGEU/NUPGE members
“This was an especially long and difficult round of bargaining,” said MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky. “But from the beginning, this bargaining committee was determined to get the best deal possible for the most members, whether it be at the bargaining table or, ultimately, through arbitration.”
In early summer 2015, after not receiving a fair and reasonable offer from the employer, the Bargaining Committee decided to file for arbitration, where a third-party arbitrator would hear arguments from both sides and then impose a binding settlement.
While arbitration dates were set for spring 2016, the bargaining committee kept up the pressure on the government. The union organized rallies, ran advertising campaigns, and met with MLAs, arguing that a negotiated settlement is always preferable, and a fair and reasonable offer not too much to ask.
Employer agreed to return to the bargaining table in December 2015
After MGEU/NUPGE members flooded the legislative gallery on December 1, 2015, creating a sea of red T-shirts that said “Still Without a Contract," the employer finally agreed to return to the table.
“After a round of December meetings,” Gawronsky said, “the two sides came in over the holiday break and reached a tentative agreement on December 30. The committee felt the employer’s offer was improved enough that it should be taken back to the membership.”
The bargaining committee made a neutral recommendation to members, opting to hold information meetings across the province to explain the pros and cons of the two options ― accept the tentative agreement or proceed to arbitration ― and letting the members decide.
Mix of wage and benefit increases, job security
“In the end,” Gawronsky said, “I think most members felt this agreement’s mix of wage and benefit increases and job security was a reasonable offer.”
The agreement includes general pay increases that go back to March 2014 and continue through the life of the agreement. This means all members who worked during the retroactivity period will automatically receive the applicable general pay increases on all hours worked.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 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