(Winnipeg) – Members of the United Firefighters of Winnipeg (UFFW) Local 867 have voted to affiliate to the Manitoba Federation of Labour (MFL) effective April 1, UFFW 867 President Nick Kasper and MFL President Kevin Rebeck announced today.

“Winnipeg firefighters are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with workers across Manitoba. Affiliating with the Manitoba Federation of Labour strengthens our voice as we advocate for our members and the public services our communities rely on every day,” said Kasper. “When workers stand together, we are stronger. By working alongside the broader labour movement, we can push forward real solutions to the challenges facing Winnipeg’s firefighters while continuing to protect the people we serve.”

The affiliation decision means that UFFW 867 will join Manitoba’s central labour body, representing the interests of more than 30 affiliated unions with 130,000 members from every sector and every region of the province. UFFW 867 will sit on the MFL’s Executive Council and its members will also be able to participate in the MFL’s educational conferences, committees and campaigns. 

“Winnipeg’s firefighters do incredible work every day, and it is work that we are all extremely thankful for,” said Rebeck. “This decision makes our labour movement even stronger, and strong unions help create a strong Manitoba with good jobs and public services you can count on.”

Kasper noted that time is right for UFFW to affiliate to the MFL, as Winnipeg’s firefighters continue to struggle with the strain of chronic understaffing, skyrocketing demand for service and increasing health and safety issues. Working together with the MFL will strengthen efforts to advance solutions to the challenges firefighters face on the front lines.