Union Left with More Questions than Answers from Sara Riel "Restructuring"

Apr 12, 2017

Sara Riel Inc. recently eliminated a number of positions, including the position of one front-line MGEU member.

The non-profit agency in Winnipeg, which receives its core funding through the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, employs 24 MGEU members and other non-union workers who provide mental health support in the community, including employment and respite services.

The union has been made aware of several non-union positions and has confirmed that the position of one member of MGEU Local 353 have been eliminated. That member was employed at Sara Riel for more than 18 years and also served as the Local’s President. An “organizational restructure due to economic constraints” was the reason given for the staffing cuts by Sara Riel management.

“It’s terrible news for our members at Sara Riel and it’s terrible news for the Winnipeggers who rely on these services. Any time you cut a front-line service like this, it’s going to affect the clients and their families,” says MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky. “We still have a lot of questions and our members are worried about additional cuts.”

The MGEU will be asking for additional information on April 21 at a meeting the union requested with management.

“With how much talk there has been over the past few years about the need for government funders to invest in mental health services, these cuts just don’t make sense,” added Gawronsky. “It’s not a large staff to begin with, so cuts like this could have a real impact.”

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