September 18, 2018 at 1:35 PM

WINNIPEG – The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is concerned about ongoing upheaval in Manitoba’s health care system. Today’s announcement of more job cuts and re-organization of health services shows the provincial government’s lack of commitment to strengthening public health care.

“CUPE has been tracking the changes to the health care system closely, and we’ve already reached out to members about the changes announced today,” said Debbie Boissonneault, President of CUPE Local 204, Manitoba’s Health Care Union. “CUPE will stand by each and every member who is affected by job deletions, reduced work hours, and program transfers.”
CUPE continues to make itself available to meet with health authorities and the provincial government, to discuss better ways to improve health care in Manitoba. Manitoba’s Health Care Union believes that change does not have to come at the expense of great public services and decent jobs.

“Health care services are community services,” added Boissonneault. “Whether it’s cuts to nurses, professional-technical workers, or facility support staff, each job loss or reduction puts a new strain on already-stretched services.”
When the provincial government and health authorities cut services, this has a negative impact on community access. Services like mental health supports, urgent care and community healthcare should be available in more places, not fewer.
Boissonneault concluded: “CUPE is the strongest way forward for health care, and we’re with you, for you every step of the way, standing up for public health care and health care workers.”
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The Canadian Union of Public Employees is Canada’s largest union representing more than 643,000 members. In Manitoba, CUPE represents 26,000 members working in health care facilities, personal care homes, school divisions, municipal services, social services, child care centres, public utilities, libraries and family emergency services.

Source:  cupe.mb.ca

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