MGEU workers at three child and family services agencies are poised to go on strike over the issue of equal pay for equal work. On March 11, MGEU issued a two-week strike notice to three child and family services agencies: Metis Child, Family, and Community Services; Michif Child and Family Services; and Southeast Child and Family Services. If an agreement can’t be reached before March 25th these workers will be on the picket line.
“It shouldn’t matter what community in Manitoba you come from. If you are connected with child and family services, you and your family deserve the same quality of care,” said MGEU President Kyle Ross. “And if you are a worker providing care or supporting those who do, you deserve to be paid fairly for that work, regardless of which agency you work for.”
The Provincial Government has extended millions of dollars in new funding to CFS authorities and the agencies they fund , but none of them has tabled an offer that provides wage parity. After members delivered a strike mandate to their bargaining committees in December, their bargaining committees feel they have no other choice but to take this next step.
“The employers’ current offer jeopardizes care for vulnerable children and youth by creating a two-tier wage system,” Ross said. “This could contribute to staff leaving and further increasing the number of families supported by each worker. These workers are taking a stand to be paid equally for the same work.”
MGEU represents approximately 500 members at these agencies including Social Services Workers, Family Support Workers, Youth Care Workers, and Administrative Staff.
The contracts for members at Metis CFCS and Michif CFS each expired on January 31, 2023. Members at Southeast CFS have been without a contract since March 31, 2022.