Workers from two Métis and Michif child and family services agencies in Manitoba went on strike Tuesday, demanding wage parity with other government agencies. Represented by the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU), the workers say wage gaps lead to high turnover, affecting the stability of services for children and families.
The strike includes employees from Métis Child, Family and Community Services in Winnipeg and Michif Child and Family Services, which serves Dauphin, The Pas, and Brandon. Their contracts expired on Jan. 31, 2023. Despite recent negotiations, the union says wage increases remain insufficient compared to government workers.
MGEU president Kyle Ross stated that Métis CFS members would fall $2.06 per hour behind civil service wages by the end of the proposed contract, amounting to an annual shortfall of over $3,800. Michif CFS workers would be $2.85 per hour behind, equating to a $5,300 annual shortfall. The union also pointed to recent layoffs in the sector, with over 60 workers dismissed due to budget constraints.
The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), which oversees the agencies, cited ongoing funding disputes between provincial and federal governments as a major obstacle. MMF child and family services minister Mona Buors stated that without resolution, the financial situation for Métis CFS agencies would remain unchanged.
Manitoba Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine expressed hope that both sides will return to the bargaining table, emphasizing that the province has already allocated $2.4 million for wages at the affected agencies. Approximately half of the workers are required to continue providing essential services during the strike.
Source: Swifteradio.com
