Labour Works

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2020 4 LABOUR WORKS From education to healthcare, daycares to social services – CUPE represents Manitoba's FRONTLINE HEROES. CUPE – you are stronger with us. CUPE: FIGHTING FOR WORKERS IN COVID-19 C OVID-19 has presented a number of challenges for workers in Manitoba, including access to health and safety equipment, the constant threat of layoffs, and a feeling of helplessness. But Manitoba's largest union is here to fight for all Manitobans in these difficult times. The Canadian Union of Public Employees represents 37,000 workers across Manitoba, including in health care, K-12 education, social services, child care, crown corporations, municipalities, crown corporations, and more. "Our union is stepping up to bat for our members, because those members are on the front-lines in the fight against COVID-19," says Abe Araya, President of CUPE Manitoba. "We are pushing the government to do what's right for workers, and for what will make our community, and our economy, stronger to take-on the fight". Since the WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, CUPE has called for a number of immediate steps to protect front-line workers. CUPE called on the provincial government for 14 paid sick days for all Manitobans, union or non-union, public sector or private sector, so nobody would have to choose between a paycheque or going to work sick. "Too many workers are living on the edge of the poverty line," said Araya. "What CUPE is calling for are measures that would help everyone make the decision to self-quarantine without worrying about next month's bills." On that same note, CUPE is calling on the province to provide incentives for employers to provide a top-up to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. "Not many people can survive on 55% of their income," said Araya. "While we applaud the federal government's enhancements to EI, more needs to be done to ensure our workers, and our economy, have the support they need." CUPE understands the value of front- line workers who are fighting every day to defend Manitoba from the spread of COVID-19. CUPE calls on the Manitoba Government to immediately implement "Hazard Pay" for front-line workers who are working in environments that put them at greater risk of contact with COVID-19. "Health workers, child care, social service workers, education workers, and more are being asked to work in potentially dangerous environments," said Araya. "These folks are working hard for Manitobans, and they deserve to be recognized for their hard work under trying circumstances." Because of CUPE's strong contracts, many K-12 education workers were provided pay during the school shut-down, and CUPE's layoff and recall language helped ensure child care workers have a job to return to when COVID-19 is over. "Many CUPE education workers were protected in this time. It's the least we could do in return for all these workers provide for our kids," said Araya. "And when school comes back, we will still be here to make sure that the return to work is done in a way that respects people's right to a safe workplace." Throughout COVID-19, CUPE has been at the forefront in the fight for better access to personal protective equipment (PPE), and has been in the media numerous times holding health authorities accountable for delays. "Our number one priority right now is to push the government to get PPE into the hands of front line workers, so they can do their jobs and help our community," said Araya. "CUPE is dedicated to continue to fight for our members, and we won't stop until everyone has a safe and healthy work environment. Full stop." While CUPE continues to fight for CUPE members, we also stand up for those who don't have a union. "A worker is a worker, and we will go to bat for everyone. But those who have unions have the additional benefits set out in collective agreements, and we believe everyone should have access to those protections," said Araya. "If you don't have a union, we hope you look to CUPE in the future, and reach out to us. We're Manitoba's largest union, and there's a reason for that. We'd love to show you what we have to offer". CONTACT MANITOBAORGANIZER@CUPE.CA TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN JOIN CUPE. CUPE calls on the Manitoba Government to immediately implement "Hazard Pay" for front-line workers who are working in environments that put them at greater risk of contact with COVID-19. "

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