The Manitoba Organization of Faculty Associations (MOFA) is proud to stand in solidarity with the over 1,400 members of the Manitoba Government and General Employees Union (MGEU) as they continue their strike. Since July 19th, MGEU members have engaged in a wide variety of labour action to protest the latest offer from the Stefanson government. The offer comes after workers fell behind with legislated wage increases, and the current offer only offers 2% per year over 4 years. The only increase above that are for the lowest-paid workers, who otherwise would be making less than minimum wage.
“Many MOFA members are familiar with the exceptional service that workers at Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MLL) provide across Manitoba,” said MOFA President Allison McCulloch. “What they may not know is that the Premier has unfairly restricted MLL’s ability to bargain in good faith. With MLL making record profits, it’s clear that they can afford to give these workers the raise they deserve.”
The offer to MGEU members comes as the premier and her cabinet have accepted a 10.6% wage increase over the next three years. Additionally, instead of working to negotiate a fair deal, MLL has chosen to bring in replacement workers at their warehouse facility, reportedly paying them double the wage of a regular worker. This action is shameful and will do nothing to help workers achieve a fair deal.
The Manitoba Organization of Faculty Associations (MOFA) is comprised of members of faculty associations from Brandon University, Université de Saint-Boniface, University of Manitoba, and the University of Winnipeg representing over 1,600 individual academic staff. MOFA is a proud member of the Canadian Association of University Teachers. We are based on both Treaty 1 and Treaty 2 territories, and the homeland of the Métis Nation.