The Manitoba Government is closing the Department of Families Office in its Provincial Services Building in Killarney and transferring the work to Winnipeg – a move that came as a big surprise to the five Department of Families employees who work in the office.
“A declining volume of work” was the reason provided by the province to the affected MGEU members. However, the employees, who oversee six separate provincial programs and ensure low income families and seniors receive their benefits, say there has been no slowdown in their work.
In a recent letter sent to the Premier, MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky asked for clarification on the issue and evidence from the province that shows a “declining volume of work.” She asked that the government reconsider its decision and keep the office open.
“Anyone living in a small town knows how important these kinds of local jobs are. They keep the economy going and support families living in the community,” says Gawronsky. “A previous Progressive Conservative government decentralized jobs years ago and moved them to towns like Killarney for this very reason. Now, these hard-working members are being told their jobs have an expiry date. It makes no sense.”
The province says that each affected staff member was asked to state whether they intend to move to Winnipeg, along with their work. If they do not wish to make the 230 kilometre move (and none of the workers do) the Province will have to find other work for the members in the region. To date, no one has received an option for another position in the surrounding area.
“Obviously our members prefer to stay where they’ve put down roots; doing the work they were trained to do. I don’t know where the government will find other comparable work nearby.”
The office is scheduled to close May 9, which is why
Gawronsky is calling on all concerned MGEU members and Manitobans to send the Premier a message, asking him to reverse the
decision to close the Killarney office.