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'The union is pleased to have gained a number of substantial new benefits for employees.'
Winnipeg (12 June 2009) - The Health Care Support Services (HCSS) Component of the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) has ratified a new four-year collective agreement.
The contract affects 19 different locals and more than 4,500 members. Negotiations began more than a year ago. In May it appeared members would be headed for the picket lines in a dispute over vacation for part-time employees.
After the union conducted seven strike votes and set a strike date for May 14, the two parties agreed to arbitrate the issue – which the union first proposed last December.
The new agreement includes a 2.9% wage increase in each of the four years, retroactive to April 1, 2008. Also, premiums for the Healthcare Employees’ Benefit Plan will now be cost-shared 50/50 with the employer, a savings of over $40 per month for members enrolled in the Enhanced Plan.
The contract also includes the establishment of a Health Spending Account (HSA) of $250 for full-time employees and $125 for part-time employees, effective April 1, 2010. These amounts will double in 2011.
The agreement represents a lot of time and effort for MGEU staff and members. The union is pleased to have gained a number of substantial new benefits for employees without a work stoppage. The next step is to create a finalized version of the collective agreement for signing. Once that happens, copies will be printed and distributed to all HCSS members.
NUPGE
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