Manitoba youth crisis workers set strike date

WINNIPEG – More than two dozen crisis employees who work with some of Manitoba’s most vulnerable youth are preparing to walk off the job Aug. 1st.

Employees with the Crisis Stabilization Unit of Macdonald Youth Services have been without a contract for two years.

Manitoba Government Employees Union President, Michelle Gawronsky, said a deal with the previous government died when an election was called. Gawronsky said the Pallister government asked them “to be patient” while they transitioned into office, but with no deal on the table the union decided Friday to set a strike date.

In a statement on the MGEU website, Gawronsky wrote, “It was with great reluctance that these members have opted to strike. With this work stoppage, an entire system of supports will be impacted. Emergency Rooms and CFS afterhours units and shelters will see an influx of those in need, and there will be increased calls to the Winnipeg Police Service.”