Mgeu ucn collective agreement

January 30 2024

Members of the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU/NUPGE) who work in the civil service have voted to accept the province’s latest offer, ratifying a new 4-year collective agreement that’s retroactive starting from March 25, 2023 through to March 19, 2027.

After a season of strikes, negotiations provide solid improvements

“It’s been a long road to get to this point,” said MGEU President Kyle Ross. “With strong backing from the membership, our bargaining committee was able to secure an agreement that will help all members catch up and keep up with the rising cost of living.”

Members employed for the duration of the agreement would see their wages increase by approximately 14% over 4 years. In many cases, depending on classification and years of service, wage increases will exceed 14%. These increases are achieved by the following:

• General wage increases of 2.5% (2023), 2.75% (2024), 3% (2025) and 3% (2026);
• Addition of a new step (an additional 2.5%) at the top of each wage scale, and advancement of all members to the next step of their wage scale, effective October 7, 2023;
• A consequent increase to the 20-year long service step (to maintain the 2% differential), effective October 7, 2023; and
• Addition of a new 25-year-long service step (effective March 23, 2024).

More than just wages

“Congratulations to our MGEU members on this victory at the bargaining table,” said Bert Blundon, President of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), of which MGEU is a Component. “This settlement not only helps the current members of the civil service, but the thousands of government workers across the country. This agreement recognizes the value of government workers and provides an example of how workers should be treated.”

MGEU/NUPGE members will also receive:

• a one-time lump-sum recognition payment of $1,800 per full-time employee ($900 for part-time employees);
• improvements to member health benefits;
• an amount equivalent to 1.4% of payroll would be allocated to provide additional wage increases for classifications experiencing serious recruitment and retention challenges; and
• legal indemnification for members who face legal proceedings as a result of their work.

New agreement first step to fix staffing crisis

“Chronic understaffing of the civil service has truly impacted our members’ ability to provide timely access to critical public services like getting a Manitoba health card. Even court proceedings are being delayed,” said President Ross. “It’s time to fix the civil service staffing crisis, and this new agreement is a good first step.”

MGEU/NUPGE members working in corrections also accepted a new sub-Agreement.

The ratification votes were conducted electronically between 7:30 pm on January 23 and 1:30 pm on January 29, 2024.