Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has disclosed contingency plans aimed at minimizing service disruptions as thousands of its employees hit the picket line.
Around 1,700 MPI-employed members of the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU) are set to initiate strike action this morning after rejecting a contract offer from the Crown corporation.
A statement issued by MPI on its website said several measures have been put in place to ensure that essential operations continue to function during the strike period.
According to MPI, general inquiries and service transactions will still be possible at any of its nearly 300 broker partners located throughout the province. This includes services such as license renewals, new insurance policies, and insurance payments.
Its contact center will also remain operational for reporting personal injury claims, non-drivable collision claims, and total-theft claims, the statement noted. As for other types of collision damage claims, including those caused by hail, customers have been advised to go directly to MPI-accredited repair shops.
“MPI has always relied on Manitoba’s insurance brokers, members of the automobile repair industry, and other stakeholders to provide services to our mutual customers throughout Manitoba,” said MPI chairperson Ward Keith. “I am pleased that our partners have joined with us to ensure Manitobans will continue to have access to the services they require, in spite of MGEU attempts to create service disruptions.”
The industry groups that have offered to support MPI through service disruptions stemming from the strike include the Insurance Brokers of Manitoba, the Automotive Trades Association of Manitoba, and Manitoba Motor Dealers Association.
“Brokerages remain open across the province and insurance professionals are ready and able to provide advice and service to our mutual customers,” said Grant Wainikka, CEO of the Insurance Brokers of Manitoba.
Unionized MPI employees are going on strike after voting to reject a new four-year collective agreement offered by the corporation last week.
The offer amounted to a monetary value of up to 17% over four years, MPI said. It also included an option for voluntary binding arbitration to resolve general wage increase disputes.
But MGEU president Kyle Ross said their members want an agreement that “helps everyone keep up with the soaring cost-of-living,” adding that half of its members would receive just 2% per year under the current deal.
What are your thoughts on this story? Feel free to comment below.
