Manitoba Workers Compensation Board staff threaten to strike

Staff with the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson may walk off the job next week as negotiations with their employer have stalled, their union says.

The 450 workers employed by WCB have been without a contract with the WCB for more than two years. CUPE Local 1063, which represents WCB staff, calls that unacceptable and accused the WCB of dragging its feet.

Bob Sawchyn, president of CUPE Local 1063, said in a statement Monday that bargaining has "reached an impasse."

The union said WCB staff will go on strike on March 21 unless the employer offers a fair deal to workers.

WCB is an arms-length agency of the Manitoba government, and is funded through employer premiums. The union said in recent years, WCB has achieved surpluses of $277 million in refunds that were sent back to employers.

WCB staff were also subjected to a wage freeze, initially put forwarding while Brian Pallister remained premier, during the last phase of negotiations and won't "accept another deal that leaves them behind," the union said

If WCB workers do hit the picket lines, Sawchyn said in the statement it will be the first time CUPE has had to initiate strike action for the board in its 50-year history of working together.

The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba said the agency has started using contingency plans in the event of a strike to ensure employers and injured workers continue to be supported.

A spokesperson said the board is in talks with CUPE in hopes of reaching an agreement.

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