On September 25, 2023, the Manitoba Labour Board confirmed that a new collective agreement for Land Titles workers (MGEU Teranet Locals 397 and 399) will now be determined by either an arbitrator or the Board itself.
Job action at the land titles offices started July 21, with members refusing overtime. That later escalated with targeted strikes by assistant district registrars, senior paralegals, document examiners, and land title clerks.
"The leadership of the Land Titles (Teranet) Bargaining Committee and the courage and resolve of all the members in this small Local has truly been inspiring," said MGEU President Kyle Ross. "Other striking MGEU members, including liquor workers and MPI, often joined the Teranet picket line at 200 Graham. They attended marches and rallies together at the Legislature, all fighting for the same thing: a fair general wage increase that allows them to catch up and keep up with the cost of living."
The Teranet Bargaining Committee returned to the table with the employer on Friday, August 18, 2023. A few days later, they agreed to the appointment of a mediator.
"Unfortunately, the employer refused to increase their offer in any meaningful way," Ross said, "and the Bargaining Committee will continue to pursue a fair deal through the arbitration process. That said, the Committee remains open to resuming talks with the employer at any time."
Most members at Teranet — the service provider for Manitoba's land titles system and personal property registry — are located in Winnipeg, but there are other offices in Morden, Brandon, Dauphin, Neepawa, and Portage la Prairie.
They register property transactions for homeowners and businesses, including the purchase and sale of homes, cottages and other properties through Manitoba's land titles system and personal property registry.