Article content
Unions representing about 25,000 health-care support workers in Manitoba have issued a strike notice set to begin on Oct. 8, unless a deal can be reached before then.
Article content
The union said these workers — including health care aides, laundry workers, dietary aides, ward clerks, and recreation coordinators — are the lowest paid in Canada, starting at $17.07 per hour for many.
“If Manitoba is serious about fixing health care, it will need to resolve the health care staffing crisis, and that means paying fair and competitive wages for health care support workers,” CUPE President Gina McKay said in a press release on Tuesday.
McKay emphasized that health-care jobs are losing competitiveness, leading to increased vacancy rates that negatively impact patient care.
MGEU President Kyle Ross added, “You can’t expect to fix health care if you have the lowest-paid health workers in Canada.”
He criticized the employers’ last offer, saying it does not adequately address recruitment and retention needs.
Both union leaders stressed that urgent action is necessary to address the staffing crisis. By serving strike notice, they aim to encourage the employer to negotiate a fair settlement.
CUPE and MGEU said bargaining committees are prepared to return to negotiations to reach a resolution before the strike date. If a strike occurs, agreements are in place to ensure essential health-care services continue.
Share this article in your social network