Front-line health services will remain protected despite challenging economic realities under an agreement reached between the Manitoba government and the Manitoba Nurses Union (MNU), Finance Minister Rosann Wowchuk has announced.
“Our goal was to protect front-line health services while managing very difficult budgets over the next few years and today we have achieved that,” said Wowchuk. “By working together with the MNU, we have reached a fair deal that protects front-line services and provides government necessary short-term fiscal predictability while maintaining our long-term sustainability and competitiveness.”
The three-and-a-half-year agreement will result in a two-year pause in wage increases and a one time, lump-sum payment of two per cent followed by a four per cent increase in year three. It also addresses long-term concerns of Manitoba nurses through a cost-of-living agreement for all health care workers by 2018. In addition, the agreement keeps Manitoba nurses competitive and supports retention efforts with a long-term service increase of two per cent at 20 years, the minister said.
“Our five-year plan remains on track to emerge stronger than ever from the global recession,” said Wowchuk. “These negotiations are never easy during tough times, but today we have landed on an agreement that protects health services and recognizes the important work of nurses.”
The MNU agreement follows a similar agreement with the Manitoba Chiropractors Association earlier this year which also includes a two-year pause in wage increases.
