Three Manitoba Child and Family Services agencies serve strike notice

Nearly 500 front-line workers at three child and family service agencies in Manitoba could soon be heading to the picket lines if a tentative agreement cannot be reached with their employers by March 25.

On Tuesday morning, the Manitoba Government and General Employees Union (MGEU) issued a two-week notice to Métis Child, Family, and Community Services; Michif Child and Family Services; and Southeast Child and Family Services.

“They feel disrespected, these workers provide a valued service for Manitobans, for these families and children that need support,” said MGEU president Kyle Ross.

“When people that care for these children aren’t being valued, that sends a really strong message that the children themselves aren’t cared for either,” added Jamie Pfau, the president of the Manitoba Foster Parent Association.

The move comes less than a week after the Manitoba Métis Federation laid off 65 staff from the Métis and Michif agencies, citing budgetary constraints.

With some of his members without new contracts since the end of 2023, Ross says the MGEU was left with no other choice.

“It’s a challenging time for our workers, it’s very impactful on their lives,” he said. “It’s not what they want, not what we want. We were hopeful we could avoid a strike, but unfortunately, we had to put a deadline down.”

During Question Period, Cindy Lamoureux, the Liberal MLA for Tyndall Park, pressed Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine on the threat of the strike and its potential impact on vulnerable children across Manitoba.

“Why is this families minister defunding programs including emergency placements and group homes that prevent youth from staying in hotels?” asked Lamoureux.

In response, Minister Fontaine reiterated the province’s commitment to child welfare agencies, highlighting the $11.4 million in additional funding intended to assist in agency operations. Fontaine later encouraged all sides to come together and find a solution.

“We know the agreements are best done at the table collectively and we encourage everyone to get back to the table,” she said.

The fears of a potential strike are already circulating amongst foster parents across the province.

“Social workers are essentially going from one fire to another,” Pfau explained. “So if they are not on the front lines for even just a week, I can’t wage a guess on how long it will take to catch up.”