Approximately 6,600 health care support workers in the Prairie Mountain Health and Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authorities have voted to accept the tentative agreement reached by their bargaining committees and employers on October 8, 2024. These workers are members of the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union and work in the community support and facility support bargaining units of both health authorities.
“We are pleased that members were willing to stand together to get wage increases that will help them catch up and keep up, and will help address the health care staffing crisis,” said MGEU President Kyle Ross. “Their hard work and commitment to patient care are at the heart of our health care system, and this new agreement recognizes the value of their contributions.”
Wage increases in the contract include a 2.5 per cent general wage increase retroactive to April 1, followed by a 2.75 per cent increase in 2025, and three per cent increases in 2026 and 2027. On top of the general wage increases, 70 per cent of health-care workers will also get a 50 cent/hour wage increase in 2025 and 2026, and $2/hour wage increase in 2027.
There are also improvements to sick leave, vacation provisions, and the addition of wellness days. In the case of home care workers there are significant improvements to scheduling practices and mileage rates.
The union was initially set to go on strike on October 8, but a last minute deal was reached.
