Kyle Ross, president of the MGEU, confirmed workers returned to their jobs Tuesday after ending a strike that began March 25. The strike involved workers at Michif Child and Family Services in Portage la Prairie, whose office is located on Royal Road S.
Workers with Métis Child, Family and Community Services also returned to work.
The strike involved 330 workers away from their jobs.
"With what's happened recently with the other deals signed, we have a pretty strong case for our workers to get parity, which they should," says Ross. "They do the same work as everyone else, and we know if there's a two-tiered system, when those workers fall behind, they'll find work that pays more. And then for these folks, they're highly trained and educated and really care about what they do. They'll find another job in this field, and unfortunately, the mid-shifts would fall behind."
Ross explains they had to end the strike due to the number of layoffs disabling them from sustaining the strikes strike.
"So we applied to the Labour Board under the new legislation, so that with the essential services required, we were unable to apply the proper pressure with our strike. We reached out and the employer agreed to go to arbitration voluntarily. So, we're going to binding arbitration now. By the end of the month, we'll be presenting our case for our workers."
Why arbitration isn’t ideal
“Bargaining directly with the employer — letting members vote on a deal — is always better,” Ross explains. “Arbitration means settling for what a third party decides, whether we agree or not. But given recent agreements in similar sectors, we’re confident our case for fair wages is strong. These workers do the same job as others — letting them fall behind risks losing skilled staff to better-paying fields.”
Returning to full support roles
Workers previously limited to handling urgent cases can now resume full care for all clients.
"They were basically restricted to doing the most extreme cases or the most likely to cause harm, and so now they're doing the full support for all the members. All the Manitobans need the support that are in their care, so I'm sure our workers are really happy to be back. I can say when we have those discussions with them, they're really scared for these people whom they support. They know the value they provide to these people, and they don't want to see them struggle."
Relief and next steps
"I think they're relieved to be to be off the picket line," adds Ross. "I've been on the picket line. It's never fun. It's not something that's enjoyable. It's a last resort for us. We did everything in our power to try to avoid it and unfortunately, ends up there. So, I think overall this is a good result for these workers."
Ross notes they're now focusing on arbitration hearings that start April 22. A ruling is expected within four weeks.
The union also aims to reinstate laid-off workers through further talks.
Timeline for resolution
Final arguments will be presented by April 26, with the arbitrator’s decision due by late May.
“From there, we implement the new agreement,” Ross adds. “Our goal stays the same: fairness for workers and stability for those they serve.”