“After over two years at the bargaining table, our union finally received a financial commitment from the previous government,” said MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky. “Unfortunately, the new government has not so far honoured the commitment that we were assured in April 2016.”
Members of Local 221 provide specialized crisis response care for Manitoba’s most vulnerable young people. The Mobile Crisis Team made nearly 1,500 visits last year to help families deal with a young person struggling with self-harm, at-risk behaviours, mental health issues, and parent/child conflict. They also help young girls who’ve been sexually exploited into places of safety where they can be supported and stabilized.
“There is no one else in the city that provides this kind of urgent care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year,” Gawronsky said. “These workers are profoundly committed to the youth and families they serve. But they now find themselves in a highly unfair and unsustainable situation, with little choice other than to consider a work stoppage.”
The previous government committed to wage increases for these workers ? which is just a small step towards addressing some of the inequities that currently exist. Those who provide similar services to adults, for instance, make approximately $10 more per hour. This means it’s not easy to recruit and retain these professionals who specialize in youth crisis.
“It was with great reluctance that these members voted to strike,” Gawronsky said. “In the event of a work stoppage, an entire system of supports will be impacted. Emergency Rooms and CFS afterhours units and shelters will see an influx of those in need, and there will be increased calls to the Winnipeg Police Service.”
Members of Local 221 provide a vital public service. They specialize in diffusing emergencies and reaching families and youth before things break down completely and young people find themselves in hospital, in the social service system, or in court. Gawronsky said beginning to address a fair wage for these critical workers is a sound investment for all Manitobans.
“We are calling on the government to honour their financial commitment and do the right thing for these workers, vulnerable young people, and all Manitobans.”
Here are two ways you can help MYS workers!
1. Let us know on Facebook that you plan to attend the picket.
2. Send a message to government - Ask them to do the right thing by honouring their financial commitment.