Health Care Campaign - Update Respect us. Protect us. Don’t neglect us.
March 19, 2022 at 3:10 PM
Health care support workers have been on the front lines of the pandemic, struggling every day with short staffing, low morale, and exhaustion, all while doing their best to care for Manitoba patients, residents, and clients.
Yet, these brave and committed health care support workers have been without a new contract for five years!
Health care support staff are here to protect us when we need it most. When our world shuts down, they go to work. They never asked to be heroes. Now we need to support them.
It's time for Manitoba's government to be there for them and make health care a priority. A fair deal for all health care support workers is needed now!
Awareness Campaign Launched
Local 500 is joining with other CUPE Health Care Locals in Manitoba to ensure this vital workforce is supported. The “Respect us, Protect us, Don’t neglect us” awareness campaign has been launched to demand respect, protection and better pay for all health support staff.
Radio Ad Launched
Local 500 has launched a radio ad calling on the Manitoba Government to prioritize collective bargaining with health care support workers. Manitoba’s health care support workers deserve a fair deal now - so that no health care worker is left behind. You can listen to the ad here.
Wear Black Wednesdays
Health Care bargaining happens every Wednesday. The Bargaining Council is asking members, who are able, to wear black clothing on Wednesdays to show their support and solidarity. Black is the colour of strength! Black is also one of the colours of mourning. We are mourning the lack of a contract. If you cannot wear black clothing, wear a Health care hero wristband.
Local 500 is asking our health care members to send us your photos of wearing black or displaying your wristband. You can send your photos to union@cupe500.mb.caor text them to 204-782-9444.
Petition
CUPE members and their families and friends have submitted over 4,000 petitions. That is over 4,000 emails in the inboxes of government. The petition is to add pressure to the government to prioritize health care support workers. We have been successful in flooding their emails and ensuring that health care support workers are not forgotten. You can sign the petition here: https://cupe.ca/support-manitoba-health-care-support-workers-leave-no-health-worker-behind.
Various other actions are also being planned as part of the campaign. Please watch for further updates as more information becomes available.
