Strike Hub
On the evening of April 7, the Métis CFCS and Michif CFS bargaining committees reached an agreement to resolve outstanding contract negotiations through interest arbitration, effectively ending the strike that began on March 25.
All members of Locals 383, 384, 385, and 422 are to report to work on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
Strike News
- April 7, 2025: CFS strikes end as employers agree to voluntary arbitration
- April 4, 2025: MGEU says right to strike infringed, files for arbitration at Labour Board
- March 28, 2025: MGEU calls on agencies to offer wages in line with increases received since '22
- March 27, 2025: New agreement ratified for Southeast CFS (Local 395)
- March 24, 2025: Strike action for Southeast CFS postponed
- March 11, 2025: CFS agency workers serve strike notice
- March 7, 2025: MGEU stands with Métis CFCS and Michif CFS agency workers
Strike Pay
In preparation for job action, all affected members who will be walking the picket line are being asked to register for strike pay.
There are two important steps members need to complete to receive strike pay:
- Provide MGEU with your personal email address and personal cell phone number
- Watch for emails from Payworks with instructions you will need to follow
Learn more about signing up for strike pay: How to sign up for MGEU direct deposit strike pay (PDF)
On the Picket Line
To make sure picketing hours are properly logged for strike pay, you are responsible for checking yourself IN and OUT with the picket captain for your shift each day.
It's also very important for every picketer to know what to do—and what not to do—on the picket line in order to keep everyone safe and organized during the strike. Please read the MGEU's Picketing Dos and Don'ts document carefully before joining a picket line.
Strike FAQ, Picket Protocols and Updates
To learn more about what's involved in taking job action and answer some common strike-related questions, please review this Strike FAQ for CFS Agency workers (updated March 25) and our most recent bargaining updates.
Here are the Strike/Picket Protocols for each bargaining unit:
If you haven't been receiving emails from the MGEU over the past few weeks that means we don't have a personal email on file for you. Please update your info to ensure we have your latest contact details on file, including your personal email address.
Essential Services
The union and the employers have negotiated essential services agreements setting out the essential work functions, the classifications of employees required to perform essential services, and the number of employees required in each classification.
If you are required to work a shift to provide essential services, you will be contacted by your employer. Please keep in mind that work functions are deemed essential during the strike, not specific workers.
Here are the Essential Work Functions for each bargaining unit:
- Michif CFS Essential Functions
- Michif CFS Essential Services Staffing Requirements and Draft Schedule (updated April 3)
- Métis CFCS Essential Functions
- Métis CFCS Essential Services Staffing Requirements and Draft Schedule
Will you answer the call to become a strike volunteer?
Strike volunteers are an essential part of every successful strike. These leaders set up and take down the picket line each day and check in/out their fellow picketers to make sure everyone’s hours are accurately logged. They also ensure all picket line protocols are being followed.
Because the Bargaining Committee must be available at any time during a strike to return to negotiations, Bargaining Committee members do not serve as strike volunteers. That means we will need a full roster of other members to raise their hands and take on these important roles in the event of a strike. The MGEU provides training and support for anyone who volunteers. Also, the time spent volunteering on the picket line counts towards your daily hours for earning strike pay.
Interested? If taking on a more active role on your picket line sounds good to you, please fill out the MGEU Strike Volunteer Form.