Good afternoon,
I would like to take a moment to once again thank all of our members who have taken the time to sign a postcard or cast a ballot in our recent strike vote or volunteer so many hours to make sure this was a success. We have received an incredible amount of support from our members and I would like to share with you some of the immediate impact of these actions.
Below is an open letter I have received from the Honorable Sharon Blady, Minister of Health, Government of Manitoba. The key points that I have taken from this letter are contained in the second paragraph describing a mandate and the very last sentence of the third paragraph. I quote: “Manitoba health care doesn’t work without you.” This has been the message that we have been working so hard to deliver over the last number of years and it sure is gratifying to finally see that statement in writing.
In my conversations with the Minister, I stated that our members have heard this sort of praise before and that there needs to be real and tangible substance behind that statement. I am not only referring to the bargaining table but also in relation to our numerous day to day workplace issues.
I share this letter with you so that you can read it for yourself and draw your own opinions regarding the content and follow-through. Please feel free to share this with all of your co-workers, especially those for whom we do not have personal email addresses. I would suggest that it can and should be posted on our union bulletin boards as well.
Finally, we do have dates to return to the bargaining table beginning on October 21, 2015. I am quite anxious to see the impact of this approved mandate and strong member support has on the process of bargaining and as I have said before, we will be keeping you updated.
In solidarity and with a great deal of respect and gratitude for your involvement,
Bob Moroz
