MFL Statement on 2022 Throne Speech

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

MFL News

We know that working families have been hit hard over the last three years by the COVID-19 pandemic and now by crushing increases at the grocery stores, the gas pumps, and in the cost of housing.

Manitoba workers are increasingly worried about paying the bills and supporting their families. And they are also worried about public services being there for them when they need them after years of cuts and chaos under the Pallister/Stefanson government.

Now, many economists and even the Bank of Canada are talking about Canada experiencing slower economic growth and the potential for a recession in 2023. We were hoping to see a stronger plan to protect good jobs and economic security for working families in this Throne Speech.

Manitobans have seen our public services and the people who provide them, like in health care, stretched to their limit by the pandemic and the cuts and chaos of Brian Pallister and Heather Stefanson.

We know that much more will need to be done to rebuild the system after years of cuts and chaos. There are still staffing shortages throughout the public service and public sector workers are tired of being treated unfairly by this government. These dedicated Manitobans provide valuable services we all rely on, and the government needs to start respecting them and investing more in the services they provide.

This government’s plan for more private health care is not the answer. Manitobans want more investment in building up and staffing our public health care system. They do not want government to sink money into a private system that will only serve to poach staff from the public system and line the pockets of this government’s corporate friends.

We know that our health care system is expected to face increased pressure due to this respiratory virus season. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted just how unfair it is to force sick workers to choose between going to work to pay the bills, or staying home to protect public health. Over half of Manitoba’s workers have no access to paid sick days on the job.

That is why the MFL is renewing its call for the provincial government to guarantee at least 10 paid sick days for all workers in Manitoba.

– 30 –

Your MFL

A strong MFL is more important now than ever before. Premier Brian Pallister has already passed a law that makes it more difficult to join a union; undermined the collective bargaining process; and made cuts to public services – like healthcare and education – and laid-off workers. All this despite promising to protect public services and the people who provide them. We are fighting back and you can too. Learn more about why unions matter and get involved in your union or unionize your workplace.

Demo Title

Demo content

Action Centre

The Manitoba Federation of Labour advocates for progressive laws and policies that will benefit working families in our province. That means standing up on behalf of workers to defend their rights and pushing governments to do more to support good jobs, fair treatment, and safer workplaces. READ MORE

Publications

The Manitoba Federation of Labour speaks up on the issues that matter to the members and families that belong to affiliate unions, as well as working people across the province. Stay up to date with what is happening at the MFL.

Benefits of Joining a Union

Unions make a big difference in our workplaces and in our communities, standing up for fairness and social justice. At a time when income inequality and precarious work are major concerns for many Manitoban families and young people, unions continue to fight for good jobs, fair wages, and safer workplaces. READ MORE.

As a worker, you have rights

As a worker in Manitoba, you have rights. These are set out in laws and collective agreements and cover a whole range of issues, from health and safety to minimum wage and vacations to workers compensation.

Search form