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“The hope is that the employer will do the right thing and take the concessions off the table, so we can get a deal and our members can get back to caring for the children.” — Kyle Ross, MGEU President
Winnipeg (05 Oct. 2022) — On Sept. 26, 18 members of the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) who work at Les Tournesols child care centre took strike action.
Les Tournesols refuses to pay workers a fair wage, demands cuts to benefits
“I want to express that strike action was the last thing any of us wanted, but we have been left with no choice,” said Kyle Ross, MGEU President. “We’ve been at the bargaining table for almost a year, and, unfortunately, this employer refuses to treat our members with fairness and respect."
Child care centres in Manitoba are currently eligible for government funding to improve wages and working conditions. Bargaining proposals put forward by the MGEU/NUPGE were based on this funding to create sustainable and fair wages for staff.
“Instead of working with us, this employer has not accessed these funds, and continues to demand cuts to our members' benefits, including sick leave and vacation,” Ross added. “The hope is that the employer will do the right thing and take the concessions off the table, so we can get a deal and our members can get back to caring for the children.”
Management refused arbitration
The MGEU/NUPGE even proposed that a third party — an arbitrator — hear from both sides and settle the terms of the agreement, but Les Tournesols refused.
Early childhood educators at Les Tournesols de Saint-Vital are responsible for 150 young children at the child care centre.