Year End Message From the President
December 19, 2022 at 3:15 PM
Year End Message From The President
It’s hard to believe the holiday season is upon us. I hope you take some time to rest and share the joy of the season with your family and friends.
This past year has been a busy and challenging time for our Local on a number of fronts.
Bargaining with the City of Winnipeg, which began in March 2021, took until December 2022 to conclude. During this period, we had to conduct a strike vote, picket sign up and access the conciliation process. This was a very long and challenging round of bargaining.
In the end, our Local was able to secure a four year contract that provided for increases to wages, classification top ups, a $15/hr minimum wage -nine months ahead of the provinces planned increase.
The Bargaining Committee would like to thank our members for your strong support during that difficult process.
In other areas of our Local, health care support workers have ratified a new agreement and we recently completed negotiations at Gateway Community Centre, Canlan Sportsplex and Winnipeg Humane Society. We are currently in negotiations with RBC Convention Centre and St. Boniface Museum. Please watch for bargaining updates on your respective collective agreement.
This past fall, The City of Winnipeg held their municipal and school boards elections where we saw a number of labour friendly candidates get elected or re-elected. The Local faces many challenges ahead and we remain committed to working with City Council, in order to provide the very best front line services to the citizens of Winnipeg.
In regards to Local 500 finances, our legal budget is at the highest it’s been in our history due to a record number of grievances and arbitrations. As always, we will take the appropriate action and provide the necessary resources to ensure our members' concerns are addressed and their rights are protected.
Finally, following a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I look forward to returning to workplace visits with our members in the new year. Now is the time for member mobilization. Together, as a more engaged and unified membership, we’ll be able to take on any present and future challenges.
In closing, as 2022 comes to an end, I would like to sincerely extend my best wishes for the holiday season and a healthy and happy New Year to all Local 500 members and your families.
In solidarity,
Gord Delbridge
President, CUPE Local 500
