Manitoba Public Insurance Workers Reject Latest Offer, Strike Possible

Manitoba Public Insurance says it is finalizing labour interruption plans after the union, representing 1700 workers, rejected the latest offer from the company.

The Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU) have been in negotiations with Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) since September 2022. MGEU claims that the latest offer would provide annual wage increases of two percent per year over four years. However, the union argues that this falls far short of inflation and the compensation received by Premier and cabinet ministers. MGEU President Kyle Ross mentioned that the union’s bargaining committee is preparing for a potential strike.

On the other hand, MPI claims that their offer includes a global monetary value of up to 17 percent over four years and an option for binding arbitration on the issue of general wage increases. They believe that voluntary arbitration would avoid income loss, prevent service disruption, and benefit all involved parties.

The MGEU calls MPI’s stance “disingenuous” and claims that non-wage items, one-time payments, and other increases are being used to inflate the offer. MGEU President Kyle Ross emphasizes that strike action is a last resort and expresses hope for reaching a deal through negotiations.