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The Care Comes First tour continued through the Interlake region and Western Manitoba as President Gawronsky asked members in health centres and personal care homes to join her on their breaks and talk about health care.
Winnipeg (03 Nov. 2017) — The Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) tour — Care Comes First —in the Interlake region and Western Manitoba continues to receive input on how members in health centres and personal care homes are dealing with the changes initiated by the provincial government to the health care system.
Cuts and uncertainty undermining health care in Manitoba
MGEU/NUPGE members continue to be stretched thin and their workplaces short-staffed, while worrying about what the government’s continued cuts might mean for them and the patients they care for.
“It’s difficult for anyone to go about their job with this much doubt hanging over their heads. It really makes it tough when, in the back of your mind, you’re always wondering, ‘What will be cut next?’” said Gawronsky. “Members are getting burnt out from being short-staffed and they want to know, 'Are more cuts coming? When will this government negotiate a new contract with us?’”
Manitoba government refuses to bargain
Gawronsky has been able to tell members that bargaining committees in the MGEU Health Care Support Services (HCSS) component are ready and eager to get going with negotiations. So far, employers have been unwilling to schedule bargaining dates. The government wants HCSS workers in each region to be covered by one union and one collective agreement — but they haven’t told the unions or the employers exactly how this will happen, or when.
To provide members with an update and talk about the issues, the MGEU/NUPGE will be calling HCSS members in public facilities to participate in a tele-meeting on November 6 at 7 p.m.. Members who are affected who are called need only stay on the line to take part.
Care Comes First Tour Stops
- Selkirk Hospital
- Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital
- Gimli Community Health Centre
- Arborg & District Health Centre
- Arborg Personal Care Home
- Lakeshore Health Centre
- Swan Valley Health Centre and PCH
- Benito Health Centre and PCH
- Roblin Health Centre & Crocus Court PCH
- McCreary Alonsa Health Centre & PCH