Workers at refugee residence headed toward lockout

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This article was published 21/04/2021 (1675 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Welcome Place workers still have no labour agreement just days away from a lockout which would leave some Manitoba refugees without services.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents workers at the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council’s Welcome Place, said although talks have continued since an April 27, a lockout notice was issued last week and there is no sign of an agreement.

“The employer’s response to (the union’s) latest offer is evidence that they are unwilling to bargain fairly and prefer to put vital refugee services at risk,” said Lee McLeod, CUPE’s Manitoba regional director in a statement on Wednesday.

“The union has made no significant demands of the employers. In fact, we have approached these negotiations with the clear understanding that the (council) is facing funding challenges, and so have made every attempt to accommodate what the organization needs to continue.”

Welcome Place, on Bannatyne Avenue, bills itself as “the refugee’s first home in Canada as they transition to permanent housing.”

While wages have been negotiated, the union says the employer refuses to negotiate other issues, including a proposal to extend employees’ right to recall, which the union says is necessary because of the pandemic.

The employer also wants to reduce vacation time and end wellness days off, the union said.

“Our members are only asking that the employer back off from concessions that are not necessary,” said Nasra Hassan, an interpreter/adviser at the council.

“We take pride in our work providing important services that help refugees and new Canadians adjust to life in their new country. We just want to go to work.”

A spokesperson for the council could not be reached for comment.

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca