Over a thousand employees at Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) are expected to hold a strike vote this month.
Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU) said that the wage increases offered by the Crown corporation does not allow its 1,700 MPI-employed members to “keep pace with rising inflation.”
The insurer had offered an annual wage increase of 2% over four years, the Manitoba Free Press reported, but the union argued that MPI’s employees should receive pay hikes that are similar to the 3.3% raise received by Premier Heather Stefanson and her cabinet this year.
“It’s unfortunate that the Stefanson government continues to provide unfair, restrictive wage mandates to public employers, while the Premier and her cabinet are on track to receive raises that are significantly higher than anything they’re offering workers,” MGEU president Kyle Ross said in a news release.
“Our members have had enough of these kinds of offers that will put them further and further behind while the cost of living continues to rise. They just want a reasonable wage increase that’s in line with what the Premier will be receiving herself.”
The elected bargaining committee representing the MGEU has additionally recommended that members reject MPI’s offer and provide a strike mandate in a vote set to take place next month.
In a statement issued to the Free Press, MPI spokesperson Kari Dykes said the Crown corporation believes its offer to be “fair and reasonable.”
“MPI has a deep appreciation for its employees and their dedication to delivering quality services, and believes the final offer reflects a balance between our commitment to our staff and our responsibility to remain financially accountable to the public,” said Dykes.
In its annual report for the 2022-23 fiscal year, MPI revealed a total of $314.7 million for all non-claims related expenses, with $31 million going to corporate operations.
Its overall net income sat at $4.2 million, below its target of $28.1 million.
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