The union representing Metis Child, Family and Community Services and Michif Child and Family Services is currently on strike and is seeking independent arbitration to help resolve their contract dispute. The Manitoba General Employees Union has requested the Manitoba Labour Board to appoint an arbitrator to assist in finding a resolution. The union claims that recent layoffs at both agencies are impeding their ability to effectively strike, as essential service levels are being compromised. Over 300 employees have been on strike since March 25th, with the main issue being wage parity, as workers say they are making $3 an hour less than other agency employees doing similar work.
The union also alleges that the agencies are delaying reaching an agreement to avoid paying retroactive wage increases to workers who are being laid off. Employees have been working under expired collective agreements that expired in 2023, and retroactive wage increases would only be applicable once a new agreement is ratified. With workers who were laid off facing the potential loss of two years of retroactive pay, the union is emphasizing the need for independent arbitration to help resolve the dispute and ensure fair treatment for all employees involved.
In response to the union’s claims, the Manitoba Metis Federation stated that they have not received sufficient funding from the provincial or federal governments to prevent the layoffs. While the province announced $2.4 million in funding, the MMF argues that it is not enough to support the current number of employees at the agencies. MMF Minister for Child and Family Services, Mona Buors, expressed the organization’s interest in providing equal wages and benefits to staff to recruit and retain the best employees to support children in care. However, she also accused the union of using the situation for political gain, emphasizing the serious nature of the funding shortfall.
The ongoing dispute between the union and the agencies highlights the larger issues surrounding funding and support for child and family services in Manitoba. The reliance on government funding to prevent layoffs and provide fair wages to employees is a significant challenge, with both sides emphasizing the need for a resolution that prioritizes the well-being of children in care. The request for independent arbitration is seen as a necessary step to bring all parties to the table and find a mutually agreeable solution that addresses the concerns raised by the union and the agencies involved in the strike.
As the strike continues and tensions escalate, finding a resolution through independent arbitration becomes crucial to prevent further disruptions in child and family services in Manitoba. The potential loss of retroactive pay for laid-off workers, the wage parity issues, and the funding challenges faced by the agencies highlight the complex nature of the dispute. Both the union and the agencies are emphasizing their commitment to providing quality care and support for children and families, but are at an impasse in finding a resolution. Independent arbitration offers a path forward to overcome the current stalemate and ensure fair treatment and adequate support for all involved parties.
