Yesterday, 45 MGEU members who work at Métis Child, Family and Community Services and 18 MGEU members who work at Michif Child and Family Service received the devastating news that they are being laid off. 

Supporting members

These members provide high-quality care and support to at-risk children and youth across Manitoba. MGEU is committed to supporting members through this difficult time and ensuring their collective bargaining rights are upheld.  

The staff are concerned about the impact these layoffs will have on the children and families they serve, as well as the impact on their work environment as cherished colleagues will no longer be on the team. MGEU is dedicated to being there for members during this time of upheaval. 

MGEU members are invited to call the Resource Centre with any questions they have at 204-982-MGEU(6438). 

New provincial funding confirmed by MMF

Today, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) confirmed in a news release that the province will be providing millions of dollars in increased funding for Métis CFS agencies for the coming year: “Our agencies will receive $2.4 million in funding.”  

This new funding is part of an $11.4 million provincial investment in Child and Family Services across Manitoba. With these funds on the way, there is no justification for the layoffs announced yesterday, and our union is calling for the employer to reverse them. 

By announcing the layoffs at this time in the bargaining process, it’s clear that this is an aggressive bargaining tactic to try and intimidate front-line workers to accept wages lower than other CFS workers in Manitoba have received.  

MGEU calls for fair wages for workers 

MGEU is calling on the employers to use the funding available to them to offer fair wages to workers at the agencies so that the children and youth they serve can continue to receive support.  

“Without a fair wage increase, it will be hard to retain and attract professionals to these jobs – significantly raising the potential for staffing shortages,” said MGEU President Kyle Ross. “Not enough staff means children and families will be at risk and may not get the care they need.” 

MGEU represents approximately 330 members at these agencies, including Social Services Workers, Family Support Workers, Youth Care Workers, and Administrative Staff. The contract for members at both agencies expired January 31, 2023.