Members of Knowles Centre Inc SAIL (Supported Advancement to Independent Living) - Local 432 have accepted their employers’ latest offer, which will see all members receiving wage increases of 14-18% over a five-year agreement that is retroactive to 2021.
“I know it’s a relief for these members and the clients they serve that a deal was reached and there will be no disruption in services,” said MGEU President, Kyle Ross. “After a frustrating round of bargaining, it’s refreshing to see that the employer has finally acknowledged the important work these members do.”
Members who worked in 2021 and 2022 will also be eligible to receive lump sum payments equivalent to 4% of wages. These members can also choose instead to take up to two weeks of additional vacation in lieu of these lump sum payments.
This round of bargaining started in September 2021. A strike was originally set to start on Monday, January 8, 2024, but was postponed following the new offer which has now been accepted.
The MGEU represents 35 workers at the Knowles Centre SAIL program, a 24/7 operation with four buildings in Winnipeg where participating youth live in supervised apartments while they learn key life skills, such as money management, self-care, housekeeping, and cooking.
Members are encouraged to make sure the union has their most current contact information in order to receive a copy of their new collective agreement once it is available.