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“The Minister has indicated his office will be in touch with me to set up a meeting. I’m still waiting for that phone call." — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President
Winnipeg (19 Sept. 2017) — At a news conference on September 12, Michelle Gawronsky, President of the Manitoba Government and General Employees Union (MGEU/NUPGE) told reporters that as many as 40 MGEU/NUPGE members who work at the Victoria General Hospital as health care and dietary aides, and in housekeeping and clerical, are unfairly losing their jobs as part of the government’s health care restructuring.
Only nurses have received job security assurances
“In April, when sweeping changes in health care were announced, the Health Minister and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) made a commitment in writing that there would be jobs for all frontline staff in the WRHA,” Gawronsky said. “But to date, the only ones who’ve received job security assurance are nurses.”
In a recent press release, the Minister acknowledged the critical role health care support service workers provide to patients, but so far, he has not backed that up with his actions.
“We believe all members of the health care team should be treated fairly, and the government and WRHA should live up to their commitment to all frontline workers,” Gawronsky said.
She added that she has written to the Health Minister, saying a meeting is urgently needed on this issue.
“The Minister has indicated his office will be in touch with me to set up a meeting. I’m still waiting for that phone call."