Reduced work week among possibilities facing Manitoba government workers
WINNIPEG — Manitoba’s Progressive Conservative government has raised the possibility of unpaid days off for public-sector workers as part of its drive to reduce a billion-dollar deficit.
The Tories have already floated the idea of reopening collective agreements and imposing wage settlements since taking office last April. Premier Brian Pallister has said legislation might be needed, and would be ready this spring, but public-sector unions would be consulted first.
But a letter sent to the Manitoba Federation of Labour this week goes further. It spells out potential measures such as reduced work weeks, reduced pension benefits and extending collective agreements that expire.
“This is by no means an exhaustive list,” reads the letter from Gerry Irving, secretary of the province’s public-sector compensation committee.