Delegates to the 2022 Manitoba Federation of Labour (MFL) have re-elected Kevin Rebeck as President for a fifth term. Delegates also re-elected Jeff Traeger, President of UFCW 832, as MFL Treasurer. 

“I am honoured to be chosen by members of the MFL to keep fighting on behalf of working families in our province,” said Rebeck. “The past few years have highlighted just how much we rely on workers in Manitoba, and just how important unions are for working families. Your MFL will continue to fight for things that will make a difference in the lives of workers, like stronger public services, good family-supporting jobs and a safer, fairer Manitoba.”

Delegates also approved changes to the MFL Constitution that adopt gender inclusive language and ensure greater gender diversity and balance on its Executive Council, which is responsible for governing the MFL between conventions. Rebeck added that representation matters, and that all organizations, including labour bodies, need to take steps to be reflective of our society.

Other resolutions passed by the MFL Convention call for the provincial government to ensure that gig workers are treated the same as any other type of worker under the law, to raise Manitoba’s minimum wage to a living wage level, and to require that all workers have at least 10 paid sick days at work per year. 

“Manitobans are working hard, but finding it harder to get ahead,” said Rebeck. “At a time when the cost of everything is going up, workers need government to have their backs and to take steps to boost wages and provide greater economic security. It’s time for the Stefanson government to start working for working families.”

The next MFL Convention will be held on May 9 – 11, 2024.