The Manitoba Government and General Employees Union

News & Views

This section holds all of the news about important issues, arbitration decisions, events and more. New content is added to this section on a regular basis, so check back to see what's new.

VRW Dilemma - The Consequences of the Voluntary Reduced Workweek
March 5, 2010
Since the Voluntary Reduced Workweek (VRW) for Government employees was introduced in 2002, the MGEU has had serious reservations about the program.

Federal Government Cuts Back on Spending in 2010 Budget
March 4, 2010
Today, the Federal Government sketched out how it plans to eventually return to surplus in its 2010 budget, by identifying $17.6-billion in savings over the next five years through cut backs in the public service, and limited spending growth in the military and foreign aid. The budget reflects the smallest spending increase in a decade.

March 8 Centennial for International Women's Day
March 3, 2010
March 8th, 2010 commemorates the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day (IWD). Celebrate by attending a Pancake Breakfast and Women in Politics Forum at the Union Centre.

MFL Offering Free Workshop on Workplace Violence Prevention
March 3, 2010
The MFL Occupational Health Centre and Safe Communities Winnipeg is sponsoring a one-day training workshop on Workplace Violence Prevention. Topics to be covered include what is workplace violence, consequences of workplace violence on individual workers and their workplace, and risk factors for workplace violence. The workshop will explore ways to eliminate or reduce the risk of workplace violence. It's primarily designed for managers, supervisors, and members of Joint Health and Safety Committees.

ANCR Survey Results Released
March 1, 2010
In 2009, the MGEU commissioned a telephone survey of members working for the All Nations Coordinated Response Network (ANCR). After a presentation was made to ANCR members in October, the Local Executive has decided to release results of the phone survey.

Canada’s First Labour Studies School
March 1, 2010
McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, will be the first Canadian university to run a fully autonomous labour studies school.

NUPGE Launches Consumer Self-defence Series
March 1, 2010
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is launching a new advocacy series entitled Smart Money: Consumer Self-Defence for Times Like These in its continuing effort to broaden the discussion about what must be done to revive our economy in the wake of the global economic collapse.

MGEU Local 199 Makes Donation to Haiti Relief
February 24, 2010
Local 199 donates almost $5000 to Haiti Relief Fund

5th Annual Sirens For Life Blood Challenge
February 19, 2010
The Winnipeg Police Service and the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service are proud to assist Canadian Blood Services again this year by officially launching the 2010 Sirens for Life Challenge beginning on March 1st, 2010.

Budget Advice from NUPGE to the Harper Government
February 19, 2010
The top priority for the upcoming federal budget must be to preserve and create good jobs. The budget should also invest in building a healthier, smarter, greener and more secure Canada, says NUPGE president James Clancy.

GOLICO Signs Collective Agreement
February 17, 2010
The GOLICO collective agreement was signed earlier today.

NUPGE launches Pension Ad Campaign
February 17, 2010
Most Canadians are worried about their retirement security. NUPGE is pressing the federal government to hold a national summit with a series of radio ads launched this week in the nation's capital.

Olfert Responds To Government’s Wage Freeze Comments
February 17, 2010
On a morning show yesterday, Minister of Finance Rosann Wowchuk announced the Government would be offering two years of zero percent to all public service employees, including nurses.

February 28th - RSI Awareness Day
February 16, 2010
To bring attention to Repetitive Strain Injuries suffered by Canadians each and every year, Sunday, February 28th is RSI Awareness Day.

Radio Labour Hits the Net
February 11, 2010
Solidarity News, a new audiocast about labour issues, will be available on RadioLabour.net every Monday morning.

MGEU Women’s Committee Celebrates International Women’s Day
February 9, 2010
One of the major goals of the MGEU Women’s Committee is to provide relevant information on women’s issues as well as highlight special events recognizing women to all MGEU members.

Society for Manitobans With Disabilities Ratifies Agreement
February 5, 2010
Yesterday, SMD ratified their new collective agreement.

Falling Through the Cracks
February 2, 2010
Last week a new report introduced by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) said Canada’s Employment Insurance system is failing the “stress test” of the recession and fixing it must be a key priority in the upcoming federal budget.

Learn @ Lunch Presentations
January 26, 2010
After a very successful introduction last spring, Learn @ Lunch is back. Bring a bag lunch and talk to the experts about issues important to you, your work and your family life.

MGEU Announces Haiti Relief Donation
January 25, 2010
The Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU) announced a $32,000 donation today for international relief efforts to help deal with the massive earthquake in Haiti. The donation represents one dollar for each of MGEU’s 32,000 members.

MGEU Introduces Family Fun Skate Days Across the Province
January 25, 2010
This winter, members and their families get the chance to enjoy a FREE family fun skate. Join us for a free snack and skate with players from your local MJHL team.

Retirement Security for Everyone!
January 19, 2010
Pension plans and retirement savings have been hit hard by the economic crisis and the security of many Canadians is at risk.

NUPGE Gives $25,000 to Haiti's Earthquake Victims
January 15, 2010
The MGEU’s National Union (NUPGE) will be providing $25,000 in financial assistance to international relief efforts to help deal with the tragic devastation of the massive earthquake in Haiti.

Younger Workers Face Reduced Retirement Standards
January 15, 2010
Younger workers face reduced retirement standards. Rosy outlook portrayed by Calgary professor does not stand up to research by pension expert Bob Baldwin.

Manitobans Getting the Message about Community Support
January 14, 2010
Last week the MGEU began airing two television ads aimed at highlighting the need for equivalent full-time positions for thousands of Manitoba’s home care workers and mental health proctors. After a week on the airwaves, it’s clear that Manitobans are getting the message.

U.S. Job Satisfaction Level Falls to Record Low
January 7, 2010
A new survey finds that job satisfaction among American workers has fallen to a record low. A majority are now unhappy at work.

Community Support Ads Hit the Airwaves
December 23, 2009
To help back up Community Support's case for equivalent full-time positions at the bargaining table, the MGEU is airing two television commercials throughout January.

Holiday Season Brings Out the Best in Us
December 18, 2009
The holiday season is also about thinking about those who, for one reason or another, will find it difficult to celebrate. It’s in this spirit that the MGEU, along with the Manitoba Federation of Labour, spearheaded a campaign in support of the locked out Tembec workers in Powerview-Pine Falls.

Tembec Workers Share the Same Christmas Wish
December 18, 2009
It’s December 17, 2009, exactly one week until Christmas Eve and 108 days since 270 USW and COPE members in Powerview-Pine Falls were locked out by their employer at the Tembec paper mill.

Are Unions Tweeting?
December 14, 2009
The international trade union online news service, LabourStart, has conducted a survey of union activists asking who uses Twitter.

Tech Change Web Bulletin #3: Time Theft is Still Theft
December 11, 2009
The latest in a series of Tech Change web bulletins for members. This installment deals with the issue of Time Theft.

Young Workers with Dyslexia at Higher Risk
December 10, 2009
Young people with dyslexia may be at greater risk of getting hurt on the job, according to a recent study from the Institute for Work & Health.

Half of Medical Examiner Investigators Resign
December 4, 2009
Four Medical Examiner Investigators have given notice to the Province that they won’t be taken for granted any longer by handing in their resignations or indicating they will take retirement rather than be paid the meager salaries they are currently receiving. Their supervisor gave her notice to retire a short while ago for the same reasons.

GOLICO Members Vote to Ratify Agreement
December 2, 2009
GOLICO members have spoken. The results are in from province-wide ratification votes and the membership voted 83% in favour of accepting their new agreement.

Housing Members Finally Receive Clarification on Security Checks
December 1, 2009
Last month, the MGEU informed Family Services and Housing members that their employer would be providing them with some much-needed clarification on security checks. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened for all members, until now.

Province Delivers Throne Speech
November 30, 2009
The Government of Manitoba unveiled its 2009 Throne Speech today. It is the first such Speech since the leadership race that saw Greg Selinger assume the position of Manitoba Premier.

Alberta Told to put 'Rand formula' in Labour Code
November 27, 2009
The Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB) has suspended an eight-month lockout by Old Dutch Foods Ltd. (ODF) with a decision declaring that the Alberta Labour Relations Code (ALRC) interferes with the constitutional rights of workers by failing to protect unions in the spirit of the Rand formula.

Paramedics Urge Winnipeggers to SHARE A CUP WITH A BRAVE CANUCK
November 24, 2009
With the holiday season fast approaching, Paramedics of Winnipeg, MGEU Local 911, is launching the Share a Cup with a Brave Canuck Challenge to spread a little cheer to Canadian Forces troops stationed in Afghanistan. The program involves the purchase a Tim Hortons gift card that will be sent to members of the Canadian Forces serving in Afghanistan (yes, there’s a Tim’s location at the Kandahar Base).

GOLICO Members Reach Tentative Deal
November 18, 2009
After more than 50 bargaining sessions, members of GOLICO have reached a tentative 4-year agreement with the MLCC.

“Addictions Don’t Take Holidays”
November 17, 2009
Yesterday the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM) announced it would be shutting its doors during the holiday season as a cost-cutting measure. The AFM plans to close all but three of its 26 locations from midday on Dec. 24 to Jan. 4, in a move to save $50,000.

Keep the Memory Alive on December 6
November 16, 2009
To mark the 20th Anniversary of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, a number of initiatives and events are taking place in Manitoba and across the country.

MDC Celebrates Accreditation Success
November 16, 2009
On November 6th, the Manitoba Developmental Centre (MDC) celebrated a job well done, after the centre aced a recent four year accreditation by the Council of Accreditation (COA).

Study Says New Buy American Deal Still Favours U.S.
November 13, 2009
Ongoing negotiations between Ottawa and Washington over Buy American laws may give away provincial and municipal procurement sovereignty, says a new study released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA).

NUPGE Publishes Report for ‘The Next Economy’
November 12, 2009
Six clear ideas emerged when the NUPGE held town hall meetings in 26 communities across Canada this year (including two in Manitoba) to survey the wreckage of the global collapse and come up with ideas for 'The Next Economy.'

Help Achieve Dignity for All
November 10, 2009
The MGEU is supporting a long-term campaign to end poverty in Canada. Dignity for All is a multi-year, multi-partner, non-partisan campaign. This campaign’s vision is to make a poverty-free and more socially secure and cohesive Canada a reality by 2020. The conviction behind this campaign is that Canadians must respect and defend the right of every person to dignity and security.

2009 Spaghetti Lunch Raises $4,000 for United Way
November 6, 2009
This was the biggest Portage Spaghetti Luncheon to date. MGEU staff and members once again volunteered to prepare the food with help from inmates at the Portage Correctional Centre. The Royal Canadian Legion donated the space for the event.

FSH Provides More Details on Security Checks
November 6, 2009
As a result of the union’s continued discussions with Family Services and Housing, FSH has provided the MGEU with some much-needed clarification on required security checks in a letter that will be sent to all employees.

Manitoba Celebrates Community Social Service Workers
November 6, 2009
Today the Government of Manitoba officially proclaimed November 6th as “Community Social Service Workers Appreciation Day”. To celebrate this event, approximately 100 Community Social Service workers and their guests joined the Minister of Family Services and Housing Gord McIntosh and MGEU President Peter Olfert at the Manitoba Legislature.

Stand Up for Public Health Care
November 5, 2009
As part of the Canadian Health Coalition’s ongoing campaign against a privatized health care system and in anticipation of National Medicare Week, November 16 to 20, the CHC is asking Canadians to sign their online medicare pledge.

Selinger Shuffles Cabinet
November 4, 2009
Thousands of MGEU members have a new boss this morning as Premier Greg Selinger switched almost his entire cabinet and shook up the names and responsibilities of several departments.

B.C. Brings in Legislation to End Paramedic Strike
November 3, 2009
The B.C. government is legislating the province’s 3,500 striking ambulance paramedics “back to work” with the Ambulance Services Collective Agreement Act.

LITE to Host Pancake Breakfast
November 2, 2009
As proud supporters of LITE (Local Investment Towards Employment) the MGEU is encouraging members to attend this year’s Annual Wild Blueberry Pancake Breakfast - November 27, 2009 from 7:00-10:00am at the Indian and Metis Friendship Centre (45 Robinson, at Dufferin).

NUPGE Concerned by Assaults on Peace Officers
October 30, 2009
A report by Statistics Canada says police reported almost 10,000 assaults against peace officers in 2008. Almost 70% of these occurred in conjunction with at least one other offence, most commonly obstruction of a peace officer, level one assault or uttering threats. The large majority of these assaults were committed without a weapon.

Give the Gift of Life
October 27, 2009
The MGEU has been a proud supporter of several blood donation drives throughout the province for many years. Many mobile donor clinics are taking place in Manitoba this fall. Please give the gift of life.

Union Seeks Explanation on FSH Record Checks
October 27, 2009
In a memo sent to all Family Services and Housing members on October 20th, the employer said that it was requiring Criminal Record, Child Abuse Registry, and Prior Contact Checks to be completed on all FSH staff as soon as possible “to ensure the rapid redeployment of staff, should staffing levels be impacted by H1N1.”

Celebrate Community Social Service Workers Appreciation Day on Nov. 6th
October 22, 2009
On Friday, November 6, the Government of Manitoba will officially proclaim “Community Social Service Workers Appreciation Day.”

HR Council Looking for Input on Retirement Survey
October 22, 2009
The Human Resources Council for the Voluntary & Non-profit Sector is conducting a confidential survey which may be of interest to individuals aged 45+ who are planning to retire or make other work changes, or who are already retired.

MGEU Ad Earns Summit Award
October 22, 2009
A MGEU radio ad “Sounds of Summer,” which reminded drivers to slow down in construction zones last summer, has won a 2009 Summit Creative Award.

MGEU Helps Sandy Bay Family Build a New Home
October 20, 2009
A family who lost their child and home in a tragic fire earlier this year at Sandy Bay First Nation is getting a new home.

Local 911 Members Fully Behind "Community Paramedic" Concept
October 16, 2009
Members of the Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service are driving a plan that would see Winnipeg paramedics criss-crossing the city in Ford Focuses to triage and treat some of the thousands of non-life-threatening cases called in to 911 every year.

FAQs About Working Manitoba Holidays
October 13, 2009
Frequently Asked Questions about working on holidays in Manitoba.

NUPGE Probation Officers Meet Oct. 15-16 in Ottawa
October 13, 2009
Representatives of provincial probation officers will be meeting in Ottawa Oct. 15-16 to discuss a number of sweeping changes in the Canadian justice system.

Participate in Rural Health and Safety Groups
October 13, 2009
The MFL OHC is looking for workplaces in rural Manitoba to participate in health and safety groups to share information, resources and best practices at the community level.

World Day for Decent Work Focuses on Global Crisis
October 7, 2009
World Day for Decent Work (WDDW) is being observed around the globe October 7th by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the governments, employers and unions included in its membership.

Brandon Correctional Centre Riot Underlines the Need for a New Provincial Jail
October 5, 2009
At a news conference today, MGEU President Peter Olfert strongly underlined the union’s demand for the province to immediately invest in new correctional facility infrastructure as inmate overcrowding continues to grow worse in Manitoba.

MFL Welcomes New President at Convention 2009
October 5, 2009
The Manitoba Federation of Labour's 2009 Convention came to a close on October 4. The final report of the Convention's Credentials Committee revealed that the convention had been attended by 415 delegates, two alternatives, and 78 registered guests. During the three days of the convention, the delegates discussed many issues, received numerous reports, debated resolutions, and helped set future priorities for the MFL and the Manitoba labour movement in general.

CFIB Public Sector Wage Study Found to be Biased
October 2, 2009
NUPGE responds to a CFIB study claiming that federal public employees enjoyed a wage advantage over private sector counterparts of 17.3%. "Nothing in the CFIB's sensational conclusion reflected any experience we’ve had."

MGEU Paramedic Readies for War Zone
October 1, 2009
Tanya Woroniuk, a MGEU Local 78 member and paramedic in West St. Paul, is getting ready to head overseas in early October and serve with the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan.

CCPA Releases Affordability Gap Study
September 29, 2009
There is a major affordability gap between Canada’s richest and poorest households, says a new Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives study released last week.

Fallen Peace and Police Officers Honoured in Ottawa
September 28, 2009
Thousands of peace and police officers from across Canada were joined by members of the public on Parliament Hill Sunday to pay tribute to colleagues who have died in the line of duty.

2009 National Union Scholarship Winners Announced
September 25, 2009
Each year the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) offers four scholarships that reflect its pursuit of equal opportunity for all workers.

All Charities Kicks-off with a Splash
September 24, 2009
Today the Manitoba department of Competitiveness, Training and Trade hosted the official kick-off for the 2009 All Charities Campaign at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.

Hundreds of Alberta hospital beds will close
September 24, 2009
Alberta Health Services (AHS), the province's health authority, announced this week that 350 hospital beds in Calgary and Edmonton will be closed and patients moved to a network of 775 community-based spaces.

Forget Freedom 55, Freedom 70 could be the reality
September 22, 2009
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is launching a campaign to fight the proposed amendments to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) by the federal government.

Spaghetti Lunch Returns Nov. 4
September 21, 2009
The annual Spaghetti Luncheon returns Wednesday, November 4th (11:30am – 1:30pm) to the Royal Canadian Legion in Portage la Prairie (275 Duke Ave.).

MGEU Announces New Special Event Offers for Members
September 14, 2009
The MGEU is pleased to announce a new promotional offer that provides members with discounts to some of the most popular events coming to the MTS Centre.

Manitoba commits $47 million for H1N1 planning
September 11, 2009
The Manitoba government is spending $47 million on its pandemic plan this fall, which includes mass vaccination clinics to tackle the H1H1 flu outbreak.

Reflections on Labour Day
September 4, 2009
NUPGE President James Clancy urges workers to reflect on the “fundamental values of fairness, compassion, equality and dignity” this long weekend.

Show Your Support for Locked Out Tembec Workers
September 4, 2009
The MGEU will be undertaking a “solidarity walk” on the picket line with United Steelworkers Local 3-1375 on Tuesday, September 8th at 1:30pm. MGEU “In Support” placards will be available for those who wish to wear them at the picket.

MADD Canada strongly supports public liquor sales
September 2, 2009
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada) has adopted a national policy paper strongly supporting the sale of alcohol through provincial liquor boards instead of private retailers.

MGEU Forest Firefighters Head Again to B.C.
September 2, 2009
MGEU forest firefighters are once again heading to British Columbia to help battle fires that continue to rage through the province.

GOLICO Members Vote in Favour of Strike Mandate
August 31, 2009
GOLICO members have spoken. The results are in from last nights’ province-wide vote and the membership voted 84% in favour of strike action.

Sick? Stay home or miss even more work
August 28, 2009
Sick? but still going to work? You’ll probably end up taking more sick days in the future than colleagues who stay at home when unwell, according to a Swedish study.

Doer Stepping Down as Premier
August 27, 2009
In a news conference today, Gary Doer announced that he will not be running in the next provincial election in October 2011.

Member Goes “Over the Edge” for a Good Cause
August 21, 2009
John Wyndels – a MGEU member who works as a Policy Analyst with the Manitoba Disabilities Issues Office – took part in the Easter Seals Drop Zone. This annual fundraiser, which has helped raise more than $2 million dollars for children and adults with disabilities since 2005, allows everyday Manitobans to become daredevils for a day by rappelling down the façade of the Royal Bank Building in Winnipeg.

GOLICO Bargaining Committee Seeks Strike Mandate
August 14, 2009
After 30 days of negotiations, the GOLICO Bargaining Committee and the MLCC Bargaining Committee have still not made any meaningful progress at the table. The process has been extremely slow to this point, due in part to the fact that the employer still has not received their mandate from the Province.

Tech Change Bulletin #2: Social Networking and NOTworking
August 14, 2009
Part 2 of the MGEU Technological Change Committee’s ongoing series of web bulletins deals with social networking sites and their impact on your career.

Area 4 Golf Tournament Set for September 12th
August 13, 2009
Once again, the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union is hosting the Area 4 Golf Tournament in support of the Portage Plains United Way.

Missing the Mark on EI Reform
August 11, 2009
Federation of Labour presidents from across Canada condemned the perceived lack of consensus among Canada's premiers on the issue of Employment Insurance reform.

Pension Ruling a Big Blow from Canada's Top Court
August 10, 2009
A new pension ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada is bad news for workers across the country.

MGEU Addresses Health and Safety Concerns Relating to H1N1
July 30, 2009
The threat of H1N1 continues to be of concern to all Manitobans. One of the ways the MGEU is addressing these concerns, as they relate to the health and safety of its members and all Manitobans, is through its affiliation and pandemic planning with The Manitoba Council of Health Care Unions (MCHCU).

CUPE 416 has "basis for a deal"
July 27, 2009
CUPE 416 has a "basis for a deal" with the City of Toronto early this morning. But picket lines will stay up until CUPE 79 reaches a settlement.

Recession more of a “he-cession”: says CCPA Report
July 27, 2009
According to a new report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA), no one has been hit harder by this recession than working age men.

Employers use Crisis to Demand Concessions
July 23, 2009
For a while, the Wall Street meltdown gave the rich a bad name. Even they seemed embarrassed by their own excess. There were reports of designer shops packaging purchases in plain paper bags.

Ontario liquor board employees ratify new collective agreement
July 16, 2009
Ontario’s liquor board employees, members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, have ratified their new collective agreement with the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO).

Province Appoints Aboriginal Health Advisor for H1N1 Issues
July 16, 2009
The Province has appointed an Aboriginal health advisor to work with First Nations communities, leadership organizations and the federal government to further strengthen communication, co-ordination and response to the H1N1 influenza.

CHC Launches Campaign to Save Public Health Care
July 10, 2009
The Canadian Health Coalition has launched a national campaign to save public health care and is urging concerned citizens to get involved.

Manitoba’s Unemployment Rate Still Second-lowest in Canada
July 10, 2009
Manitoba's unemployment rate is still well below the national average, but did rise in June to 5.2% (up from 4.9% in May) as the province lost nearly 2,000 jobs during the month. Many of those jobs however are part-time, as the number of full-time jobs in the province continues to grow.

Expansion Plans Announced for Manitoba Correctional Facilities
July 8, 2009
A new 48-cell unit will be constructed at the Agassiz Youth Centre (AYC) in Portage La Prairie, and an 80-bed expansion is planned for the Brandon Correctional Centre (BCC).

New Union Training Schedule Released
July 7, 2009
The MGEU recently released a revised training schedule for its 2009/2010 local officer and steward training.

Ontario Liquor Workers Headed to Voting Booths After Hard Fought Negotiations
July 6, 2009
Employees of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) will be headed to the voting booths on July 13-14 to accept or reject a new contract negotiated by their bargaining committee.

Canada’s EI benefits well below OECD average: CCPA
July 2, 2009
Employment Insurance benefits in Canada are well below the average for OECD countries, despite recent federal government enhancements to the system, says a new study released June 30th by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA).

2009 Bursary Recipients Announced
June 25, 2009
Each year, the MGEU awards a number of bursaries to qualifying members, spouses or children of members. Here are the 2009 recipients.

Members Recognized at 11th Annual Service Excellence Awards
June 22, 2009
The 11th anniversary of the Manitoba Service Excellence Awards was celebrated on Friday, June 19th, and representatives from the MGEU were on hand to offer thanks and congratulations to the many members who were recognized for their hard work and outstanding service.

A Convenient Untruth About Public Pension Plans
June 17, 2009
Public sector workers pay 8% to 9% of their income to finance public pension plans, far more than the 3% to 5% contribution rate for other workers with pensions. - NUPGE's Larry Brown.

Education & Training workers meet in Ottawa
June 17, 2009
Workers at colleges and institutes, including instructors and support staff, met for a two-day meeting in Ottawa.

Celebrate National Aboriginal Day on June 21
June 12, 2009
The MGEU and the National Union of Public Employees (NUPGE) are urging all members to join with Aboriginal Peoples and Canadians across the country to celebrate Aboriginal Day on June 21.

Finally, Governments Discover the Pension Crisis
June 9, 2009
NUPGE National Secretary-Treasurer, Larry Brown, discusses the pension crisis in Canada and the action needed to fix the system.

St. Norbert Personal Care Home Awaits First Agreement
June 9, 2009
Arguments before the Manitoba Labour Board are now complete and a binding decision will be made shortly.

HCSS Component Ratified New Collective Agreement
June 8, 2009
Members of the MGEU’s Health Care Support Services Component have ratified a new four-year collective agreement. The new agreement affects 19 different Locals and more than 4,500 members.

Tech Change Web Bulletin #1: The Work/Life Balancing Act
June 8, 2009
The first in a series of web bulletins from the Tech Change Committee deals with the role technology is playing in the blurring line between your life at work and your life at home.

Area 4 Members Raise $500 for House Fire Victim
June 5, 2009
While most people were out celebrating the beginning of 2009, Alana Waldner was staring at the charred remains of her home and wondering what she was going to do next. A fellow homecare worker and MGEU member, Harriet Seniuk, thought her union could help out.

MGEU Brings Hybrid Vehicle Safety Concerns to Light
June 5, 2009
Unions representing public auto insurance workers in BC and Saskatchewan are calling for improved safety protocols – like the training provided to MGEU members at Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) – for their members.

Paramedics may have been exposed to H1N1
June 4, 2009
Two MGEU members from Winnipeg Paramedics Local 911 may have been exposed to the H1N1 virus, while transporting patients to the Health Sciences Centre.

Seine River School Division Reaches Tentative Agreement
June 4, 2009
Members of the Seine River School Division (Educational Assistants) reached a tentative agreement and will have a ratification vote on June 20, 2009 at the Lorette Arena.

Ontario liquor workers set strike deadline for June 24
June 2, 2009
Unionized workers at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) have set June 24 as a strike date to put pressure on the ultra-profitable government agency to negotiate a new contract that curbs rampant abuse of part-time employees.

Million dollar bonuses for CPP executives are “outrageous”, says NUPGE president
May 29, 2009
James Clancy, the national president of NUPGE, expressed outrage over the million dollar bonuses being paid to the top executives at the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) when the fund is losing billions of dollars.

Government EI Reforms "Don’t Go Nearly Far Enough"
May 27, 2009
NUPGE President James Clancy speaks out on the federal government's proposed changes to the Employment Insurance Program.

MGEU Member is Ready to Ride to Fight Cancer
May 27, 2009
Twenty-year MGEU member, Robert Quon, a Corrections Officer at the Winnipeg Remand Centre, has challenged himself to raise $25,000 in support of children who live with and beat cancer.

MGEU Honoured at CALM Awards
May 25, 2009
MGEU took home top honours at the 2008 Canadian Association of Labour Media (CALM) Awards.

MGEU mourns the loss of Gillian Covernton
May 21, 2009
It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Gillian Covernton.

MGEU and Government Present Wee Workers Day at Kidsfest '09
May 20, 2009
This June, Manitoba families will once again be treated to zany circus acts, high strung acrobatics, comic daredevils, and much more at the 27th Annual Winnipeg International Children’s Festival.

EMS Week: Time to Salute the Efforts, Discuss Challenges, Find Solutions
May 19, 2009
May 17th to 23rd is Emergency Medical Services Week and the union that represents nearly 900 paramedics throughout the province says the occasion is a chance to both salute the vital health care professionals whose job it is to help save lives day-in and day- out, and to call for improvements to a system that can often mean the difference between life and death.

2009 Marks 35th Anniversary for Winnipeg Shelter
May 15, 2009
2009 marks the 35th Anniversary of Osborne House in Winnipeg. The shelter - for women and children who are experiencing domestic abuse - provides a safe and supportive environment as well as residential and non-residential programs and services.

May 17 is International Day Against Homophobia
May 15, 2009
International Day Against Homophobia will be observed across Canada and around the world on May 17 – this Sunday. The occasion presents an annual opportunity to rally citizens everywhere against all forms of homophobia.

25th National Day of Mourning – April 28
April 28, 2009
April 28th marks the 25th National Day of Mourning - a day to remember and mourn those who have been killed or injured on the job. Hundreds of events are taking place across the country to observe the day, including the following in Winnipeg.

Severe Respiratory Illness Spreading Globally
April 27, 2009
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is urging members working in health care and the public to take note of an outbreak of severe respiratory illness (SRI) that began in Mexico and is spreading globally.

Cut Me a Slice: A People's Response to the Economic Crisis
April 24, 2009
The MGEU and its National Union (NUPGE) Affiliates have organized a campaign to provide the average Canadian with a voice during these tough economic times. NUPGE has launched www.peoplesresponse.ca to allow you to sound off on the current economic crisis and talk to other Canadians about its effect on you. The MGEU and NUPGE are also organizing two town hall meetings in our province (one in Winnipeg, one in Brandon – dates times and locations TBA) to help Manitobans make their voices heard.

MayWorks Celebrates 15th Anniversary
April 24, 2009
To celebrate the 15th year of the Winnipeg MayWorks Festival and the 90th Anniversary of the 1919 General Strike, organizers chose a historic theme for this year’s festival: Rise as One

New NUPGE Leaflet: Our Kids Gotta Come First
April 24, 2009
The MGEU’s National Union (NUPGE) has released a new leaflet entitled Our kids gotta come first, which stresses the need for a universal early learning and child care program in Canada.

Public services a bargain for Canadians: Study
April 22, 2009
The majority of Canadian households enjoy a higher quality of life because the public services their taxes fund come at a solid bargain, according to a new study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA).

Today is Earth Day - April 22
April 22, 2009
Celebrated every April 22, Earth Day is the largest, most celebrated environmental event worldwide. More than 6 million Canadians join 1 billion people in over 170 countries in staging events and projects to address local environmental issues.

A Full-fledged Flood
April 20, 2009
The Flood of ’09, once dubbed a “flood of inconvenience” earlier this spring, is now a full-fledged flood with all of the destructive force of some the worst floods from the past 100 years. Flood-protection officials are now watching the skies after the Red River appears to have crested in downtown Winnipeg - just two feet below the level of 1997's Flood of the Century.

Study Shows Need for National Elder Care Program
April 20, 2009
The Canadian Healthcare Association (CHA) has released a study recommending that the federal government take a leading role in developing a national home care/long-term care program.

April 28th Marks 25th National Day of Mourning
April 16, 2009
April 28th is observed as a National Day of Mourning in more than 20 countries. The MGEU’s National Union (NUPGE) has created a poster to remind workers of this important day.

Equality Day and the Charter of Rights & Freedoms
April 16, 2009
Equality Day is celebrated across Canada on April 17 to mark the coming into force of the equality provisions of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms on April 17, 1985.

MGEU Members Working Hard to Fight Flood of 2009
April 16, 2009
As the Red River swells from spring runoff, hundreds of MGEU members are busy helping communities fight off the Flood of 2009.

Canada-wide Blitz to Keep Health Care Public
April 15, 2009
The Canadian Health Coalition (CHC) is launching a national campaign to keep health care public. NUPGE is supporting the coalition's campaign and is challenging Dr. Robert Ouellet, the president of the Canadian Medical Association, to stop misleading Canadians about private, for-profit health care.

Province Piloting New, Next-generation Ambulances
April 15, 2009
The province unveiled a new high-tech ambulance yesterday at the legislature as part of its $5-million investment to expand the province's ambulance fleet by nine vehicles and replace 30 additional ambulances with new models.

The Ed Show champions labour every night on TV
April 14, 2009
Nightly news television now has a show that gives unions, workers and the middle-class a fair hearing.

Changes to Agreement on Internal Trade go in effect April 1st
April 1, 2009
The Province announced today that it is removing barriers to labour mobility as part of a strengthened chapter under the national Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) which comes into effect today.

Provincial Budget 2009
March 26, 2009
The Manitoba Government handed down its latest Budget yesterday, projecting a balance for the 10th straight year. The budget features investments in health care, education and training, in the rural economy, and in the province’s infrastructure.

They Deserve Better: CCPA book on long-term care
March 25, 2009
They Deserve Better. These words from one worker capture the essential message, and title, of a new book from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA). The book explores the long-term care experience in Canada and Scandinavia.

The Fight Against Racism Continues Around the World
March 20, 2009
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is marking this important day by urging its 340,000 members across the country to make use of educational tools offered by the union to raise awareness about the harmful effects of racism in workplaces and communities as well as the labour movement and society as a whole.

Co-operators Make Credit Score a Rating Factor
March 18, 2009
Recently, MGEU members who purchased group home insurance were advised that the Co-operators plan to begin introducing credit score as a rating factor for home insurance.

Employer-sponsored pension funds down 8.7%
March 18, 2009
Employer-sponsored Canadian pension funds plunged by more than $82 billion in the third quarter of 2008, a drop of 8.7%. It was the biggest decline in more than a decade, Statistics Canada reports.

Take Part in Earth Hour - March 28th 8:30pm
March 18, 2009
Earth Hour is quickly approaching - on Saturday, March 28th at 8:30 pm, millions of Canadians will turn out their lights to support the largest global public demonstration on climate change! What are you doing that night?

Social Work Month Salutes Key Community Workers
March 12, 2009
National Social Work Month is being celebrated across the country in March. The MGEU and its National Union (NUPGE) are pleased to recognize and thank social workers in all regions for the vital services they provide in their local communities.

BCGEU Open to Four-day Week Subject to Restrictions
March 10, 2009
The British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) is open to the idea of a four-day work week to help the province save money but it would have to be entirely voluntary.

Equality and Human Rights Activists Meet in Ottawa
March 2, 2009
Equality and human rights activists from Components of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) met in Ottawa last Friday to discuss how to defend and expand equality and human rights at work during the current economic downturn.

Unions and Employers Weigh Options On Disbursement
February 2, 2009
In September 2007, a review of the Public Service Group Insurance Fund revealed an actuarial surplus of approximately $10 million. Based on past practice, the Superannuation Liaison Negotiating Committee (made up of unions, like the MGEU, who represent members participating in the Civil Service Superannuation plan), and the Employer Advisory Committee (made up of participating employers) decided to distribute the employee portion of this surplus to members and increase the paid-up insurance for retirees from $4500 to $5000. Both sides agreed that the employer portion of the surplus would be dealt with at a later date.

Budget 2009: The Government's Plan for Troubled Times
January 28, 2009
Yesterday the Federal Government handed down the much-anticipated 2009 budget. As many suspected, the two-year $64 billion stimulus package is not aimed squarely at one target but spread amongst many groups, regions and projects.

Seine River School Division Ratifies Agreement
January 26, 2009
Members from Seine River School Division ratified a new three-year collective agreement.

Stress of Balancing Personal Life with Work Life Continues to Grow
January 26, 2009
Balancing responsibilities at work and at home is a greater stressor for women. Although, all working people report they are suffering from more stress related to balancing responsibilities at work and at home, the greater burden is falling on women. Statistics reveal that women bear the brunt of duties associated with child care, are the primary caregivers for the elder care of aging parents and are responsible for the majority of household chores.

How Canada Can Beat Tough Times
January 23, 2009
Ottawa (22 Jan. 2009) -- As Canada’s parliamentarians gather next week to debate the federal budget and how to tackle the economic crisis, it is important that intelligent policy decisions be taken to carry us through tough times while protecting past gains and ensuring a better future.

Professional Paramedics Association Merges with MGEU
January 23, 2009
More than 250 members of the Professional Paramedics Association of Winnipeg (PPAW) recently voted to amalgamate with the province’s largest union – the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU). Late last week, the Manitoba Labour Board made it official by approving the merger.

Social Infrastructure Creates Three Times More Jobs Than Tax Cuts
January 23, 2009
Frontline workers in health care, community-based social services and the justice system converged on Ottawa this week to tell provincial premiers and the federal government that to be effective, a federal stimulus package must rebuild and strengthen public services.

Challenging Ottawa to invest in frontline services
January 21, 2009
As Canada’s first ministers gathered in Ottawa last week to discuss the growing economic crisis, frontline workers in health care, community-based social services and the justice system were urging the leaders to propose a federal stimulus package that invests in public services to protect vulnerable families and help stabilize the economy.

A Toast to Public Control of the Liquor Industry
January 20, 2009
An editorial by MGEU President Peter Olfert was published January 19, 2009 in the Winnipeg Free Press. It was written as a response to an editorial recently printed by the Free Press, asking the province to get “out of the business of selling booze.” Here is his response.

HEBP Announces Changes to Benefit Plans
January 16, 2009
The Healthcare Employees’ Benefits Plan (HEBP) recently announced changes to the current Healthcare Benefits Plan that will result in increased benefits to members.

Nanos Poll Reveals Canadians Want Government to Invest in Public Services
January 14, 2009
Canadians want greater investment in public services for families. A new poll indicates citizens will back stimulus measures that support — not cut — government services.

Christmas Message
December 24, 2008

Greening Government Operations - Eco Pass Study Underway
October 22, 2008

Mileage Campaign Update
October 17, 2008

Union and Correctional Officers Await Arbitrator’s Decision
October 17, 2008

Government Nurses Reach Deal
October 9, 2008

Application Extension Date Set for MPI Members
October 6, 2008

Nurses Rally Postponed
October 1, 2008

Son of MGEU Members Earns NUPGE Scholarship
October 1, 2008

Former DVL Members Receive Application Extension
September 26, 2008

Olfert Speaks Up For Government Nurses
August 29, 2008

Family Services and Housing Members Enjoy Appreciation Picnic
August 15, 2008

Government Community Workers Accept New Agreement
August 15, 2008