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'The province wants to cut back their vacation no matter how many hours they work or how many years they’ve devoted to Manitobans.'
Winnipeg (11 May 2009) - The Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) is urging members and the public to put pressure on the province to avoid a walkout scheduled this Thursday by some 2,000 health care support workers across the province.
Workers represented by MGEU at Fred Douglas Lodge and Victoria General Hospital in Winnipeg, as well as facilities in the North Eastman, South Eastman and Parklands regions, have voted overwhelmingly to strike in response to concessions being demanded of part-time employees.
"Today, most health care support workers’ positions at personal care homes and hospitals have been reduced to part-time," the union says.
"To make ends meet, they pick up additional shifts or work at two or more facilities. Now, the regional health authorities (RHAs) want to cut back their vacation, no matter how many hours they work or how many years they’ve devoted to caring for Manitobans."
The union says part-time workers have been entitled to vacation based on years of service for more than two decades and it’s never been a problem.
"Management is suddenly saying that it is but can’t give the MGEU a single example of why. These health care support workers strive every day to care for their vulnerable patients with respect and dignity. All they’re asking for is a fair and respectful deal when it comes to their hard-earned vacation," the union says.
MGEU is asking members and supporters to call Health Minister Theresa Oswald and other legislature members to press for a fair solution. More information is available on this page on the MGEU website.
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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