After more than a year since the bargaining process began – and after working through conciliation and taking a strike vote – MGEU Local 303 (Family Visions) has ratified a new three-year collective agreement.
Bargaining started in May 2014 but after failing to make any headway, the employer decided to apply for conciliation and bargaining continued with the aid of a conciliator in September 2014.
On April 23, 2015, Local 303 members voted to reject the employer's final offer and, through the conciliator, the Bargaining Committee indicated to the employer that their wage proposal was insufficient.
As a result, members voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action and a strike was scheduled to begin in July. However, negotiations resumed on July 8, 2015 and a tentative agreement was reached on July 20.
The new agreement includes a general 1% wage increase in each year (retroactive to April 1, 2014) as well as increases to the health spending account.
Local 303 members are encouraged to update their contact information with the union to ensure they receive a copy of the new collective agreement once it is available.
Family Visions is a non-profit organization in Brandon, Manitoba that provides residential and day program services to adults with intellectual disabilities.