Manitoba community workers vote to ratify new contract

Increases of 19% to 21.67% over 4.25 years

Winnipeg (19 Aug. 2008) - Government community workers in Manitoba, known as direct service workers and child development workers, have voted overwhelmingly to accept a new contract negotiated by their Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) bargaining team.

The new deal includes wage increases for all classifications ranging from 19% to 21.67% over the next 4.25 years. Other improvements include a reduction in the number of hours required for a merit increase and an enhanced travel allowance.

The MGEU bargaining committee is expecting to have the agreement ready to sign soon. Once that happens, the union will print and distribute the agreement and ask the employer to begin processing retroactive pay for members. The contract dates back to Dec. 30, 2006. NUPGE