On September 9, UFCW Local 832 members working at Vista Park Lodge in Winnipeg voted 100 per cent of rejecting the company’s final offer. A picket line is set to commence this Saturday, September 14, at 7 a.m.

The employees have been without a collective agreement since March 31, 2012. The Manitoba Labour Board assigned a conciliation officer to assist with negotiations but, unfortunately, the company has remained steadfast in its position.

Employees at Vista Park Lodge are currently earning significantly less than other employees working in private and public personal care homes. Now the company wants the ability to contract out work without assurances to current staff.

While the company stated it is under financial hardship, it has not produced any documents to verify that claim. Faced with concessions and wage freezes, the members have decided to walk a picket line in hopes of maintaining what they currently have and receive a fair wage increase.

Under the Essential Services Act, members will still offer support to those in the care home. They will picket before and after their shifts and would welcome the support of the families visiting their friends and loved ones. The members just want and deserve a fair agreement.

There are over 100 members working at Vista Park Lodge in Winnipeg. UFCW Local 832 is Manitoba’s largest private sector union representing over 15,000 members in the province.

Show your support for these workers at a mass picket on Thursday September 19, 2013 at 4:30 pm (144 Novavista Drive).