Manitoba Government and General Employees` Union (MGEU) recently reached a collective agreement with the Manitoba government. This deal brings stability to the 14,000 unionized workers who provide essential services in the province. The agreement covers a four-year term from 2019 to 2023 and includes a 3.75 percent wage increase over the lifetime of the deal.
The MGEU represents employees in various departments, including healthcare, education, social services, justice, and infrastructure. The union`s negotiating team worked hard to secure a fair deal that addresses the priorities of their members. The agreement includes provisions for job security, work-life balance, and benefits improvements.
The negotiated agreement includes a provision for a joint committee to explore solutions that address workloads, recruitment and retention in key areas, and other workplace issues. The committee will consist of representatives from the MGEU and the government. This initiative is aimed at finding long-term solutions to challenges faced by workers and management alike.
One of the highlights of the agreement is the 3.75 percent wage increase over its lifetime. The wage increase will be distributed as follows: a 1.75 percent increase retroactively applied to April 1, 2019, and a two percent increase effective April 1, 2020. This is a significant boost for workers who have been facing stagnant wages in recent years.
The agreement also includes improvements to job security for MGEU members. The government has agreed to develop a plan to improve job security for staff, which will be finalized and implemented by October 2020. This initiative will offer relief and security to workers who have been concerned about job security in uncertain economic times.
The MGEU has also secured improvements to health benefits, such as a reduction in out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs. The agreement also includes provisions for extended health benefits, including coverage for dental and vision care, and access to health services such as physiotherapy and chiropractic care.
Overall, the Manitoba government collective agreement is a positive outcome for unionized workers in the province. It provides stability and security to employees, while also addressing key concerns such as wages, job security, and benefits. The agreement reflects the shared desire of both the union and the government to develop a more stable and sustainable workforce, which will benefit both employees and the people of Manitoba.
