Royal Winnipeg Ballet workers unionize with MGEU

Workers at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet have unionized.

The RWB workers’ application to join the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union as a single bargaining unit was approved by the Manitoba Labour Board Thursday.

The new Local 466 will include employees of both the RWB and the RWB School, including teaching staff, student boarding staff and accompanists as well as those working in marketing, development, facilities and security, data services, finance, food services and administration.

Physiotherapists, students of the RWB School and employees represented by another bargaining unit will not be members of Local 466.

Company dancers are already represented by the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association and many members of production staff are already represented by IATSE.

Kyle Ross, president of the MGEU, said the union is excited to work with the workers and the organization.

“We’re really looking forward to the future and supporting these workers and trying to build a great workplace with them and their employer,” he said in an interview.

Ross did not get into specifics about why the RWB workers reached out to MGEU to unionize.

“I can say that whenever a group reaches out to organize, it’s almost always working conditions. It can be health and safety, it can be some favouritism, it can be a multitude of issues, and I would guess that this workplace is not exempt from those as well,” he said.

In an emailed statement, the RWB said, “The Royal Winnipeg Ballet deeply values the people who contribute to our organization and the important work they do every day. We are currently reviewing the Manitoba Labour Board’s decision and remain committed to fostering a positive, respectful and supportive working environment for everyone at RWB.”

Other local arts organizations have also seen unionization efforts as of late. Workers in the properties department at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre joined IATSE Local 63, unanimously ratifying their first collective agreement last month.

According to the MGEU media release, Local 466 joins a growing group of MGEU members in the arts and culture sector, including workers at the Manitoba Arts Council, Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq, the Centennial Concert Hall and the Manitoba Museum.

jen.zoratti@winnipegfreepress.com