Kevin Rebeck

Kevin has been active in the labour movement for over 30 years. He was re-elected President of the Manitoba Federation of Labour for a fifth term in 2022. With Kevin as president, the MFL has successfully advocated for a number of progressive changes to Manitoba’s laws and policies, in solidarity with the Manitoba’s labour movement and working people throughout the province, including making Manitoba the first province to provide paid leave for victims of domestic violence.

Kevin has led the charge against the Pallister government's unconstitutional wage freeze law, including the Partnership to Defend Public Services' court challenge that resulted in real wage increases for workers. He has also been a vocal critic of the Pallister and Stefanson governments' handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, including advocating for paid sick days and fighting back plans to make drastic public sector cuts.

Legislative changes that the MFL is proud of during Kevin's term include:

Domestic Violence Leave

First of its kind legislation to ensure any Manitoban worker who is experiencing domestic violence (regardless of gender) has the right to access employment leave to seek the help they need.

Recognize PTSD as Work Related Occupational Disease

Pushing for changes to the Workers Compensation Act to recognize post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a work-related occupational disease. As a result of these changes, The Workers Compensation Board presumes a worker’s conditions was caused by their job, making it much easier to access supports, treatment and compensation.

Protection for Highway Construction Workers

The passage of legislation to provide more protection for highway construction workers by clarifying speed zone limits in construction zones and increasing fines for drivers who put workers at risk by speeding in them.

Improvements to Workplace Health and Safety Rules

A number of improvements to workplace health and safety rules, including a five year plan for workplace injury and illness prevention, a requirement that more and smaller workplaces have joint Health and Safety committees and worker representatives, more workplace inspections, long-term funding for Safe Workers of Tomorrow to educate young workers about their rights, and the enshrinement in law of workers’ rights to refuse dangerous work and be protected from discrimination.

The Adoption of an Occupational Disease Registry by the WCB

A Hybrid Experience Rate/Prevention Model for Funding WCB

First of its kind legislation to ensure any Manitoban worker who is experiencing domestic violence (regardless of gender) has the right to access employment leave to seek the help they need.

Kevin believes that it is labour’s role to be an active participant in the political process, to advocate and push governments to do more to help working families. The MFL continues to fight for working families on a number of fronts, including advocating to make Manitoba’s minimum wage a living wage, improving the Workers Compensation Board system and protecting The Labour Relations Act.

Kevin is a committed partner in strengthening communities and has served on:

United Way of Winnipeg's Campaign Cabinet and Board of Directors
Chair and Board Member of the Manitoba Community Services Council
Board Member of Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries

As a long-time activist in the New Democratic Party, Kevin currently serves on the Manitoba NDP Provincial Council, and has served on the party’s Provincial Executive, as a constituency president, and as co-chair of the party’s constitutional committee. Kevin believes in the importance of the labour movement working with the NDP to engage people to be more politically active and involved in our communities.

Timeline:

Kevin was first elected as MFL President in 2009 and was re-elected in 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2022. Prior to that, he served as President of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Manitoba Division, General Vice President of CUPE National, and 2nd Vice President of the Winnipeg Labour Council.

Your MFL

A strong MFL is more important now than ever before. Premier Brian Pallister has already passed a law that makes it more difficult to join a union; undermined the collective bargaining process; and made cuts to public services – like healthcare and education – and laid-off workers. All this despite promising to protect public services and the people who provide them. We are fighting back and you can too. Learn more about why unions matter and get involved in your union or unionize your workplace.

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Action Centre

The Manitoba Federation of Labour advocates for progressive laws and policies that will benefit working families in our province. That means standing up on behalf of workers to defend their rights and pushing governments to do more to support good jobs, fair treatment, and safer workplaces. READ MORE

Publications

The Manitoba Federation of Labour speaks up on the issues that matter to the members and families that belong to affiliate unions, as well as working people across the province. Stay up to date with what is happening at the MFL.

Benefits of Joining a Union

Unions make a big difference in our workplaces and in our communities, standing up for fairness and social justice. At a time when income inequality and precarious work are major concerns for many Manitoban families and young people, unions continue to fight for good jobs, fair wages, and safer workplaces. READ MORE.

As a worker, you have rights

As a worker in Manitoba, you have rights. These are set out in laws and collective agreements and cover a whole range of issues, from health and safety to minimum wage and vacations to workers compensation.

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