The MGEU bargaining committees representing workers at Michif Child and Family Services (CFS) and Métis Child, Family and Community Services (CFCS) have reached an agreement to resolve outstanding contract negotiations through interest arbitration, effectively ending the strike that began on March 25.
“This is an important step forward in our efforts to achieve wage parity for CFS members,” said MGEU President Kyle Ross. “These workers should get the same pay as their counterparts in the Civil Service, and we will continue to advocate for that outcome in arbitration.”
More than 330 union members from both agencies will return to work on Tuesday, April 8.
“Standing on a picket line is never easy, and these members have shown that taking a stand for fairness can make a difference,” continued Ross. “We believe interest arbitration is the best path for achieving wage parity for these members.”
As the employers have agreed to arbitration voluntarily, MGEU will be withdrawing the application made last week to the Labour Board. The agreement with the employer also includes calls for an expedited arbitration process, and parties are scheduled for an arbitration hearing on April 22. The arbitrator has committed to deliver a ruling within four weeks after the hearing.