Addictions Foundation of Manitoba workers picket legislature

'This is as much an issue of public safety as it is about wages.' - MGEU president Peter Olfert

Winnipeg (26 Sept. 2007) - Employees of the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM) staged an information picket in front of the Manitoba Legislature this week.

The workers, whose last contract expired in March, 2006, hope to increase awareness about the services they provide on behalf of Manitobans and also about the growing wage gap between themselves and employees doing the same work at similar government agencies.

"It's important to underline that this is as much an issue of public safety as it is about wages," says Peter Olfert, president of the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE).

"While Manitoba politicians are doing photo ops with the prime minister and going out of their way to talk tough on crime, we're seeing less and less done about the causes of crime," Olfert argues.

"These workers provide services that help get people out of a life of crime, off the street and in to the workforce – in addition to getting Manitoba families back on track. The government seems to have forgotten that investing in the treatment of addictions means investing in the people who help treat addictions."

In recent years, employees at AFM have seen:
? a serious decrease in the quality of services delivered to clients;
? funding cuts to the government agency;
? an increase in staff turnover as a result of inadequate wages;
? an overall reduction in the number of staff;
? continuity of care for clients sacrificed; and,
? the continuation of facility closures during the summer months.

Despite these significant challenges, the government refuses to offer employees a fair contract, meaning AFM employees are falling further and further behind, Olfert says.

"These workers believe very strongly in the importance of the work they provide to families and the community," he adds. "It's time the government did the right thing and came back to the negotiating table with a fair offer." NUPGE