Wednesday, November 24, 2021
MFL News
The Partnership to Defend Public Services welcomes the repeal of the Public Services Sustainability Act (Bill 28) as an important and long overdue step. Manitoba’s unions have been calling for this to happen for over four years. This harmful law has, and continues to negatively impact 120,000 working families, people who work hard every day to deliver the public services that we all count on.
In fact, thousands of public sector workers remain without a contract today because of the damage this law caused to the collective bargaining process in the public sector.
As we announced several weeks ago, Manitoba’s unions are seeking leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada in order to get a definitive ruling on the constitutionality of this wage-freeze legislation. Today’s announcement does not change that. As Manitoba’s Court of Queen’s Bench and Court of Appeal issued drastically different rulings, we believe it is essential to have the law made clear for everyone by the Supreme Court. We trust that the government agrees as its news release highlights the importance of resolving the constitutionality of this legislation.
If the Stefanson government is serious about wanting to reset the relationship with workers and unions, we call on them to stop interfering in public sector bargaining and to make a clear and genuine commitment that the government will also not oppose our application to have the Supreme Court consider the constitutionality of wage-freeze legislation.
We know that collective bargaining works when it is fair. It is a tried and tested process that allows workers and employers to reach fair deals that make sense for both sides. We hope that today's announcement is the first step in this government recognizing the value of free and fair collective bargaining for workers in Manitoba.
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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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
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.
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 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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