More than 250 members of the Professional Paramedics Association of Winnipeg (PPAW) recently voted to amalgamate with the province’s largest union – the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU). Late last week, the Manitoba Labour Board made it official by approving the merger.
The new unit, appropriately named MGEU Local 911, will still function under the existing PPAW contract negotiated with the City of Winnipeg until it expires in February, 2010, at which time a new contract will be negotiated between MGEU Local 911 and the City of Winnipeg. This is the only contract MGEU negotiates with the City of Winnipeg, so the merger sets a new precedent in terms of labour relations.
“We are extremely pleased to have been chosen by this very important and dedicated group of individuals to act as their negotiating and servicing organization,” said MGEU President Peter Olfert. “Winnipeg paramedics have proven time and again that their dedication and professionalism matters when Winnipeggers need it most.”
“The new unit will be a good fit and a great compliment to our strong, diverse membership,” said Olfert. “We’re excited about the future and looking forward to working with the executive and membership of Local 911.”
The MGEU already serves approximately 600 paramedics throughout the province, which was one of the many reasons the merger between MGEU and PPAW made sense, Olfert said.
“There are a lot about challenges in our health care system, and paramedics face many of these challenges on the job each day,” said Chris Broughton, president of MGEU Local 911. “Our membership believes that MGEU knows their issues, and the union brings a lot to the table in its ability to advocate for its members, and getting results that ultimately improve service delivery to families and communities.”