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Larry Brown, President of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), of which the MGEU is a Component, congratulated Ross. "The MGEU/NUPGE has always been a leading voice in our family of unions, and we look forward to adding to our strength with Kyle at our table."
Winnipeg (22 Oct. 2021) — Delegates at the 66th Convention of the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) have elected Kyle Ross as the new president to lead the unions over 30,000 members.
Ross commits to continuing fight for public services and public service workers
“I am very humbled to have been chosen by the members as the next MGEU President. Our union is strong because of our members and their dedication to the labour movement,” Ross said. “It’s my goal to engage with our members on how we can get more of them involved to strengthen our locals.”
Ross is currently employed with Manitoba Public Insurance and has been an active MGEU/NUPGE member and activist since 2011. He first served as a Steward, before being elected MPI Component Director in 2016. He’s also served on the MGEU’s Technological Change, and Risk and Strategy Committees.
The MGEU/NUPGE represents over 30,000 members. MGEU members live and work throughout Manitoba in a wide variety of workplaces such as the civil service, Crown corporations, universities and colleges, health care facilities, social service agencies, and arts and cultural organizations. Many, if not all, of these services and the members delivering them have been targeted by the provincial government by means of cuts and privatization. Ross said he will continue to advocate for strong public services and investments that support them.
“This is an important time for our membership. A new Premier will be named at the end of the month, and it’s time to reset the relationship between this government and unions. I’m ready to lead that change and I’m ready to fight for our public services.”
In addition to the role of President, elections to place for 4 Vice-President positions. Scott Cloney takes over from Charlotte McWilliams, who served as 1st Vice-President. Doug Troke, Cris Quon, and Stephanie Swain were also elected.
Brown congratulates Ross on win, thanks Gawronsky and McWilliams for their leadership
Larry Brown, the President of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), of which the MGEU is a Component, congratulated Ross. "The MGEU/NUPGE has always been a leading voice in our family of unions, and we look forward to adding to our strength with Kyle at our table."
Bert Blundon, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer, welcomed Ross by saying, "Congratulations, Kyle. We are excited to start working with you, helping push back the conservative agenda of worker attacks and public service cuts in Manitoba."
Brown also paid tribute to Michelle Gawronsky, out-going President who served the MGEU/NUPGE for 9 years and was a member of the National Executive Board (NEB)."Michelle, on behalf of the 385,000 members across the country, I want to say thank you for your years of service to our union and to workers everywhere who have benefited from your wisdom, your passion and your commitment."
Blundon also thanked McWilliams, who has been a part of the NEB since 2018. "Charlotte, we will miss your activism, enthusiasm and leadership at the national level. Thank you for your work."