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'The VRW still poses a number of challenges for MGEU members.' - MGEU.
Winnipeg (10 March 2010) - The Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) has had serious reservations about the voluntary reduced workweek (VRW) since it was introduced in 2002.
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Recently, the Manitoba treasury board distributed a memo to deputy ministers, executive financial officers (EFOs), and human resource (HR) sector directors outlining changes to the review and approval process in order to allow more employees to access the VRW program.
This comes on the heels of the province’s February announcement that it will seek a wage freeze from public service employees for the next two years. The rationale is that if vacant positions go unfilled, wages are frozen and more employees take advantage of the VRW program the province can avoid layoffs.
"However," MGEU notes, "the VRW still poses a number of challenges for MGEU members.
"With vacant positions still going unfilled, the union feels that the VRW program places additional stress on members, particularly in departments that are already short-staffed.
"The challenge for the MGEU and its members is clear. We’ve heard repeatedly from concerned members that workloads and staff shortages continue to be a serious issue that negatively impacts service delivery and staff morale," the union says.
"So, consider the message it sends to government if an increasing number of government employees feel they can take additional time off throughout the year and not have their work suffer because of it. What affect do you think this might have on the union’s bargaining position as we strive to negotiate better pay and address staffing shortages within departments?
"The fact is, the experience of many civil servants who have taken VRW days has been mixed. Many take the days but will also take work home with them to avoid falling behind. For others, the work is simply waiting for them when they return or has placed additional demands on their co-workers."
MGEU says one of the factors taken into account during the budgeting process is the number of hours worked.
"When there are budget shortfalls, they can use the time employees have taken off to justify a reduction in full-time positions within the department," the union notes.
"Despite these reservations, the MGEU has not stood in the way of the VRW program because it’s voluntary and we know some members appreciate the flexibility it provides in balancing their work with their life at home. All the union is asking members to do is consider the consequences of requesting VRW days and reminding them that they are voluntary," it says.
"At a time when the government should be maintaining services to Manitobans, we mustn’t allow the province to implement reductions and diminish the vital services our members provide every day."
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