Letter From the President
We have made it through another Manitoba winter and as we look forward to Spring and Summer, there are a few long standing issues I’d like to speak to.
First, I know all members are patiently waiting on a new contract that should bring us a long awaited raise in pay and retro pay for past years that we have sat stagnant. I can assure you all that our bargaining committee is working hard for you. We have been in bargaining now for about 14 months. I’d like everyone to understand that normal (if bargaining is ever normal) Healthcare Bargaining can take 18 months or longer. It is looking as though bargaining is progressing, we understand the frustration and that bargaining is slow, but again it is progressing. I am optimistic that we will see a ratification of a new contract within or around that 18 month “normal” time frame.
COVID! Who isn’t sick of the whole pandemic? Just over two years and we are still dealing with many strange and unknown issues. We need to thank all Healthcare Workers for doing their best to get us through. I thank you. We now see the workforce coming back together from Government mandated “rules”. Please be respectful. People had the right to choose any of the three options. Every option was well within each of our rights. Now we are able to be back together and we need that.
I want to let the membership know about a couple of things I have been working on. During Covid, there were two MOAs that gave a “bonus” to those working in an outbreak situation. Long term care was omitted from the MOA #2. I have pushed for this to be addressed at the Provincial level and understand it is being discussed at the bargaining table. It is my hope that we will see it revised and that those that have had to work in an outbreak will be included regardless of where in Healthcare you work.
Homecare, we have heard you on many of the concerns you have brought forward. Mileage rates are a very popular one. Currently we must follow your collective agreement and in that the rates are set every April 1st and October 1st based on the past six months of gas prices. This is in following the GEMA (Government Employees Master Agreement) contract. I can assure you that we have brought this forward to your bargaining committee and hope to see better and more up to date rates put into place upon ratification of a new agreement.
Spring is a time for change in the CUPE Local 4270 as well. April 21st is our Central Council meeting. This is where your Leadership is elected. Due to Covid and having to extend terms last year, All positions are up for election. President, Treasurer and Warden are open for a 2 year term. 1st Vice, 2nd Vice, HC Vice and Recording Secretary are open for a 1 year term. I would like to wish all that are nominated and let their names stand all the best.
I will not be running for another term as your President. I’d like to thank the membership and my past executive members for the many great years. It has been an honour to serve the membership.
Remember to check our website periodically for bargaining and other information from the Local.
www.4270.cupe.ca
Respectfully
Darrin Cook