Union Bug Blog

• Apr 09, 2018 - Government Shouldn’t be Content with Underspending on MLL Social Responsibility
  

  A recent investigation by the CBC has revealed that the government has been underspending on social responsibility through Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, even though it is required by law to allocate two per cent of the Crown corporation’s net income to addictions research and treatment.

• Mar 23, 2018 - Premier missed opportunity to keep election promise with Budget 2018
  

  The record levels of revenue taken in by the government provided the Premier with the opportunity in this budget to keep his election promise to protect and invest in public services. Sadly, he ignored that opportunity and the result will be continued cuts to public services this year.

• Mar 12, 2018 - Let’s Talk about the Budget Manitobans Deserve
  

  It’s Manitoba Budget Day, and Finance Minister Cameron Friesen will soon unveil his government’s blueprint for how the Province will invest our tax dollars in the coming year. The MGEU is calling on the government to recommit to providing supports and investments in things that matter most to Manitobans: services and jobs.

• Mar 08, 2018 - Unions Continue to Lead the Fight for Women's Equality
  

  Today is International Women’s Day, and as a woman who’s immensely proud to represent over 40,000 unionized Manitobans, it’s a great opportunity to talk about the vital role that our unions can, and should play, in our lives.

• Jan 28, 2018 - Task Force Warns Government that Changes Happening Too Fast, Too Soon in Health Care
  

  In the days leading up to the holiday season, the Provincial Government released a long-awaited report from the Wait Times Reduction Task Force, which was to examine the current state of emergency departments, surgery, and diagnostic testing across Manitoba. Overall, the report acknowledges what MGEU has been saying for a long time: that the government is moving too far, too fast with its health care changes. The Task Force advises more cautious movement by government and more consultation with patients and staff. It is our sincere hope this wise advice is heeded.

• Jan 22, 2018 - Bankruptcy Highlights Risks in Privatization Schemes
  

  The recent bankruptcy of the giant UK firm Carillion has important lessons for Manitoba. Carillion has cashed in on massive privatization schemes around the globe – from the UK to Saskatchewan – providing various public services, like snow clearing, building maintenance and infrastructure project management.

• Jan 19, 2018 - Health Care Blind Spot
  

  Manitoba’s health care system is undergoing major changes. Many Manitobans fear that the changes are more about saving money than improving health, and that privatization of parts of the health care system may be a slippery slope towards the erosion of our treasured single-payer public health care system.

• Dec 22, 2017 - A Big "Thanks" to Those Working Around the Clock this Holiday Season
  

  It’s hard to believe that the holiday season is already upon us and a new year is just around the corner. One of my favourite things about this time of year are the inspiring stories of people helping others.

• Dec 13, 2017 - How Can You Make Sound Workplace Safety and Health Policy Without Ever Talking to Workers?
  

  On December 4, the government announced it would be eliminating the Advisory Council on Matters Related to Workplace Safety and Health. They claim they are trying to cut costs, which seems short-sighted at best and downright dangerous at worst. The cost savings are negligible and the last thing our province needs right now is more top-down, single-minded legislation that ignores the experience and ideas of those of us who are actually on work sites, doing the work.

• Dec 07, 2017 - Manitoba Labour Leader to Premier: Let's Get to Work
  

  On November 21, in its third throne speech since being elected, the Pallister government unveiled a plan to create what it’s calling a "transformative civil service transition strategy." While still short on details, its stated goal is a worthy one. They want to "challenge public servants to better understand and meet the needs of citizens, question past practices and experiment with innovative ideas, and harness their collective talent."