After advocating vigorously on behalf of members in health care who are being redeployed due to COVID outbreaks, the MGEU has negotiated a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) which now includes increased compensation and is retroactive to November 1, 2020.
"When we were first approached by the Provincial Health Labour Relations Services (PHLRS) to negotiate a Memorandum much like the nurses had done, we held off because we did not agree with the amount of compensation offered nor the timelines proposed,’ said MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky.
She said the union took its cue from the membership, listening to their issues and making sure the MOA duly recognized those whose shifts have been disrupted and/or who've been redeployed to areas of critical need in PCHs and hospitals.
"We're pleased that we were able to improve the agreement that recognizes these disruptions," Gawronsky said, "but we also know this is no time to let up. We are still pushing hard for those of our members who have not been recognized and for full PPE to ensure our members and their families can stay as safe as possible.”
“We continue to raise accommodation issues because some members may not be able to physically perform their redeployment duties, or they may be struggling to meet child care and elder care responsibilities." Gawronsky said.
She encouraged all members who are facing such issues to raise them with their manager or HR consultant, and to contact their Local president or staff representative through the MGEU Resource Centre.
Since the pandemic began, the MGEU has also been pressing the government to provide recognition for all members working through the pandemic.
"While we've made some progress with the Risk Recognition and Caregiver Wage Support Programs and now this MOA, the government has so far refused to recognize the contributions of many members who have stepped up during the pandemic," Gawronsky said. "We will continue to fight for all members."